ASKiIMAN™ MEDIEVAL / HISTORY
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Bahadur Shah I

Realm 101: The Heedless King, Shahu's Release, and the Stirring of Khalsa

WORLD O — 18TH CENTURY & MARATHA SUPREMACY

MICRO-REALM 01

Death of Aurangzeb

  • Aurangzeb dies in Ahmednagar (1707).
  • Empire at its maximum territorial extent.
  • Immediately triggers a bloody war of succession.
  • Three sons: Muazzam, Azam, Kam Bakhsh.
MICRO-REALM 02

Prince Muazzam

  • Eldest surviving son (64 years old).
  • Defeats Azam at Battle of Jajau (1707).
  • Defeats Kam Bakhsh near Hyderabad (1709).
  • Ascends throne as Bahadur Shah I (Shah Alam I).
MICRO-REALM 03

Conciliatory Policies

  • Attempted to reverse Aurangzeb's orthodox rigidity.
  • Sought peace with hostile regional powers.
  • Tried to appease nobles to prevent rebellions.
  • Compromise became the new imperial strategy.
MICRO-REALM 04

Rajput Relations

  • Initially tried to garrison Marwar/Amber.
  • Rajputs formed a unified league against him.
  • Forced to back down and restore their lands.
  • Recognized Ajit Singh as Rana of Marwar.
MICRO-REALM 05

Release of Shahu

  • Shivaji's grandson, captive since 1689.
  • Released by Prince Azam (later confirmed by Bahadur Shah).
  • A strategic move by Mughals to divide Marathas.
  • Granted Sardeshmukhi (but not Chauth).
MICRO-REALM 06

Maratha Civil War

  • Shahu's release sparks war with his aunt, Tarabai.
  • Mughal strategy temporarily successful.
  • Kept Marathas occupied internally.
  • Shahu eventually triumphs with Balaji Vishwanath's help.
MICRO-REALM 07

Sikh Rebellion

  • Following Guru Gobind Singh's death (1708).
  • Banda Singh Bahadur assumes leadership.
  • Rallies peasantry against Mughal Zamindars.
  • Captures Sirhind and kills Wazir Khan (1710).
MICRO-REALM 08

Lohgarh Fort

  • Banda Bahadur's capital in the Himalayas.
  • Struck coins in the name of the Gurus.
  • Symbol of the first sovereign Sikh state.
  • Bahadur Shah forced to personally lead campaign against him.
MICRO-REALM 09

Financial Decline

  • Reckless granting of Mansabs (ranks) and Jagirs.
  • Attempted to buy loyalty of all factions.
  • State treasury rapidly depleted.
  • Jagirdari crisis worsens significantly.
MICRO-REALM 10

Shah-i-Bekhabar

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  • "The Heedless King" (nickname by Khafi Khan).
  • Criticized for administrative laxity.
  • Died in 1712 in Lahore.
  • Last Mughal Emperor to exercise real authority.