Originally Posted by shakeel ghori
Dear members HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY.
Here is my attempt:
Q:7. Analyze the factor responsible for the degeneration of the Muslim society in the sub-continent?
To many, the degeneration of Muslim society in sub-continent was mainly caused by the Muslims' degeneration in following Islam accordingly. Given the fact that Muslims came in India and established their rule over there on the basis of religion, this claim sounds reasonable that when they abandoned Islam their downfall began. But realistically, by a deep contemplation upon the issues which led Muslims into the sorry state of affairs, one will be convinced of the fact that religion alone did not contribute for deterioration of Muslim society; rather diverse factors were involved in the ruination of their hegemony and supremacy. By naming few out of those factors, one may be able to draw a clear picture of those historical events which resulted in the shift of power from the indigenous rulers to the foreign intruders. Political instability, social disintegration, internal rifts, conspiracies against each other, economic downfall, foreign intervention, moral and religious degradation, and lack of strategy and military organisation by government were the prominent causes behind the deplorable conditions of Muslim society in particular, and of Indians in general.
With the political instability rising in India, and subsequent collapse of Mughal empire, the apparent frustration and disintegration in Muslim social fabric were witnessed at the beginning of 18th century. Aurangzeb ascended the throne on July 21, 1658 and ruled supreme till 1707. Thus Aurangzeb ruled for 50 years, matching Akbar's reign in longevity. But unfortunately he kept his five sons away from the royal court with the result that none of them was trained in the art of government. Though he ruled longer than any of his predecessors, yet he could not stop the decline of the Mughal Empire, which hastened after his demise as none of his sons was trained to rule. Finally in 1858 India came directly under the control of British government. During the reign of Aurangzeb, the Muslim rule got immense power and prestige as his major focus was on attacking the adjoining areas of his Empire and to bring them under his control. Ultimately, he succeeded in capturing a large piece of land which he ruled efficiently during the period of his supreme authority. But sadly this quality was not present in those who succeeded him. The death of Alamgir in 1707 is generally regarded as the beginning of the gradual decline, and ultimately fall, of the once extensive, prosperous and powerful Mughal Empire.
With the collapse of Mughal Empire, Muslims lost their power.Those who succeeded him were mainly found busy in fighting for power and acquiring worldly pleasures. Evetually those who legitimately, or otherwise, became able to acquire control over Empire were incapable of holding its supremacy. They were indifferent from the grievances of their subjects and indulged themselves in the luxuries of world without having any awareness of political changes rapidly taking place under their rule. Corruption had become prevalent. Muslim power was gravely declining. The unawareness, rather ignorance, of the ruler from these political realities provided golden opportunity to the foreigners--and locals who were eagerly willing to retaliate Muslims for the alleged atrocities being committed against them in the rule of Aurangzeb or others--who were long seeking to oust Muslims of power. These changes in the political framework of sub-continent were among those bitter realities for which the Muslims who were once the supreme power of the sub-continent had become the most persecuted class in coming years.
Socially, since the advent of Islam till partition, sub-continent had never proved itself as a one unit. It has always been an abode of diverse social classes who are distinct from one another in terms of religion, ethnicity, race, and language. When the Mughal Empire lost its glory and there was no authority to put a check on hostile communities, an unprecedented turmoil started. Those who were breeding and fostering the seeds of hatred in their hearts against each other became unbridled in their activities. The different sects and classes sought to establish their hegemony in their respective majority areas which further aggravated the already deteriorated situation. In Punjab and Khaber pakhtunkhaw the singh had got hold and they used to persecute Muslim community. The Marathas were rising as a power which was an apparent threat for Muslim soceity. They inflicted much injury to the Muslim nation. In other areas as well where Muslims were in minority, their conditions were pitiable. Massacre, violation of rights, and derogation of religion were the order of the day. These were the problems which Muslims had to face. Few Muslim religious scholars had initiated their movements to reform the fate of Muslim community. Jihad was fought to curb the hostile elements which were hurling a threat to Muslim society. But these all efforts were of no avial as the central power to support these movements had vanished. These internal rifts and bitter political realities badly damgaged the social structure and paved a way for the new disgusting era in which all and sundry had to live under the unacceptable and unpleasant sway of a foreign race.
Indeed, in all these circumstances the one who got immense benefits were Britishs. It would not be wrong to say that they were at the forefront to weaken Muslim rule in the sub-continent. Britishs came in sub-continent for the purpose of trade. During Muslim rule they worked as East India company and earned abundant wealth. They deeply took notice of the political situation of India and devised an ignoble plan to get hold over this area. They were aware of the fact that unless the Muslim rule was terminated they would not be able to fulfill their nefarious desires. They began to weaken the basis of Mughal Empire through corrupt and deceptive means. It was their favorite hobby to create conflict between the rulers of different princely states. They helped one party and received heavy money from it. For example, they created a conflict between 'Mir Jaffer' and 'Siraju-ud-dula' in which they helped the former and received about 1.2 million pound from him. Afterwards, they defeated 'mir Jaffer' with the help of 'Mir Qasim' and again received a fair amount from victor. This practice were adding to their wealth and at the same time deteriorating the political stregnth of rulers. These practices were proved detrimental for Muslims.
Economic situation of Muslims had become deplorable. The practices of ruler such as their indulgence in worldly luxuries and spending immense money on conflicts against each other damaged the economic conditions of Muslim. The East India company by now had been able to establish its illegal regime in sub-continent. previous rulers were the rulers of name. They did have no more power to do anything to stop the giant exploitation by Britishs except regret. The ravenous people did their best to grab as much wealth as they could. They exploited poor people to utmost level. Much high taxes were imposed upon the peasants. Those who were in power had full authority to confiscate the lands and snatch any property. The industries were destroyed so that more goods could have been imported from England to sell them at higher prices. The army-- which was first pretendedly called from England to protect East India company but later on used to overpower sub-continent -- was made to feed over the public wealth. Economic disturbances created problems for Muslims in particular, and for others in general. These conditions had created anguish in the society. Those who once had the supreme power over this land were now the mere silent spectators.
Due to these above-mentioned facts Muslims in sub-continent lost their 800 years long rule. In addition, the general ignorance from Islamic principles and moral degradation were also the root causes behind all these problems, which ultimaely culiminated in the degeneration of Muslim society. One of the most potent causes of the fall of the Mughal Empire is said to be the deterioration and demoralization of the army. The military had not only become inefficient but also lacked in training, discipline and cohesion. The army was out-dated in regard to equipment. As the weakening of religious bond occur, so were the case with moral, hence they did not have courage to fight with the foreign forces. Eventually, British government had been able to establish its control over here. Muslims were being treated with great persecution. A last struggle by Muslims to regain their lost glory was made in 1857 which, unfortunately, could not succeed. It was a religiously motivated enthusiasm rather than strategical managed war. The defeat in this war had opened for Muslims a door of unending troubles and torments. Britishers, and others who wanted to settle their accounts with Muslims in claim of a long animosity, bent upon exterminating the Muslim society. In spite of these sufferings, the great leaders of Muslims come forward to help them out of the despondency. after a long struggle the Muslims had been able to throw the yoke of slavery when they achieved a triumph in the form of Pakistan...
Dear members, specially those who are active in this practice of solving and commenting Pak affairs questions, please check my attempt. Do make criticism, point out my mistakes, and give me the marks.
Regar[/I]ds
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