Proof of Decline of Mughal Empire

Factionalism

Jahandar Shah1213 came to power after killing father of FS1319. FS1319 removed an executive JS1213 with help of Sayyad brothers of Hindustani group but FS1319 did not want to be a puppet of Sayyad brothers, so he allied with other groups
Sayyad brothers allied with marathas, defeated FS1319 and placed MdS1948 Rangila in power as puppet emperor
Nizam ul Mulk of Turrani group allied with Irani group to defeat Sayyad brothers
from 1722 - 24, Nizam served as Vazir

from 1705, Marathas began defeating Mughals and reversed most territorial gains
1737 - Peshwa Bajirao plundered delhi, and kept MdS1948 prisoner temporarily
Maratha defeated large Mughal army, commanded by Nizam2448 and signed Treaty of Bhopal in Jan1739
1738-40 - invasion by Persian Nadir Shah. His empire extended from Iran to Afghanistan where Mughals were also present and wanted to plunder India’s wealth

Mughals militarily weak
recent military defeat in 1738 by Maraths
Sadat Khan (Nawab of Awadh Subha) changed sides when Nizam2448 was made Mir Bakshi (war paymaster/ commander/ Imperial treasurer) instead of him (lack of impersonal loyalty and factionalism)
Better military leadership of Nadir Shah

Battle of Karnal 1739 was decisive then Nadir Shah became Emperor for 60 days and Md Shah 1948 (1719-48) / Rangila imprisoned
Sadat Khan 2240 committed suicide after being insulted by Nadir Shah post victory
Huge loss of prestige for Mughals as Md Shah 1948 / Rangila was insulted and he did not stand up for his dignity and therefore lost political prestige among mansabdars; 2L civilians of Delhi massacred (Mughals can’t protect anymore)
inc chances of future attacks by domestic and foreign powers (eg. First Afghan invasion began in 1748)
Huge economic loss and Mughals couldn’t maintain strong army
Nadir Shah took away wealth worth roughly 100cr (peacock throne with kohinoor)
Mansabdars also drained of their wealth as they had to contribute (even more military corruption, exploitation)
In 1752 Mughal came under Maratha protection due to fear of Afghan invasions and then Alamgir II 5459 (1754-1759) was the Maratha puppet