The reign of Alamgir II (1754–1759) marks yet another turbulent chapter in the final decline of the Mughal Empire. Named after his illustrious ancestor Alamgir I (Aurangzeb), he lacked the authority, strength, and independence to live up to that legacy. His accession was orchestrated by the powerful and manipulative Wazir Imad-ul-Mulk, who had earlier blinded and deposed Ahmad Shah Bahadur. Alamgir II, therefore, began his reign not as a sovereign monarch but as a figurehead in a court dominated by competing factions, Maratha influence, and Afghan ambitions. His rule witnessed the dramatic shift of power in North India, the Maratha occupation of Punjab, the expulsion of Rohillas, and the growing tensions that ultimately led to the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.
A Puppet Emperor in the Hands of Imad-ul-Mulk
Alamgir II was placed on the throne by Imad-ul-Mulk, who expected him to be compliant. The emperor had little real authority; key decisions were dictated by the Wazir and the Marathas, who were steadily expanding their influence. The emperor’s attempts to assert independence were crushed, and he lived under constant suspicion and surveillance. His reign reflected the Mughal court’s internal decay, where nobles pursued power for personal gain rather than for imperial stability.
Maratha Dominance in North India
During Alamgir II’s tenure, the Marathas emerged as the strongest military and political force in India. Their northern expansion became unstoppable:
- They overran Punjab
- Occupied Lahore
- Expelled Rohilla Afghans from several regions
- Asserted Maratha power directly under Raghunath Rao and Malhar Rao Holkar
By 1758, the Marathas had taken control of Lahore, Attock, and even Peshawar for a short period. This was unprecedented—no Indian power, not even the Mughals at their peak, had pushed so deep into the northwest with such speed.
Their rise alarmed Ahmad Shah Abdali, who viewed Maratha occupation of Punjab as a direct threat to his Afghan Durrani Empire. The Marathas, however, believed they could replace the Mughals as the supreme power in the north, marking the beginning of a larger confrontation.
Rohillas Caught Between Marathas and Abdali
The Rohillas, Afghan warriors settled in Rohilkhand, were squeezed between Maratha aggression and Abdali’s demands. The Marathas expelled several Rohilla chiefs from their strongholds, weakening Afghan influence in the region. Leaders like Najib-ud-Daula tried to seek Abdali’s protection as Mughal authority faded.
This triangular conflict between Marathas, Rohillas, and Afghans created deep instability. Even though Alamgir II was technically the emperor, he played almost no role in the actual political decisions that shaped the region.
The Afghan–Maratha Rivalry and the Road to Panipat
By 1759, tensions between the Marathas and Abdali had grown so severe that a major confrontation became inevitable. The Marathas held Punjab, while Abdali viewed Punjab as essential to Afghan security and influence. The Mughal Empire, too weak to mediate or resist, became irrelevant in determining the fate of the region.
Although Alamgir II’s reign ended before the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), the events of his rule directly led to it:
- Maratha expansion into Punjab
- Rohilla marginalization
- Abdali’s fear of Maratha dominance
- Mughal political vacuum
- Imad-ul-Mulk’s betrayal of imperial interests
During this period, Imad-ul-Mulk even cooperated with Marathas against Afghan sympathizers. Ultimately, Abdali marched into India to counter the Maratha threat, setting the stage for one of the most decisive battles in Indian history.
The Assassination of Alamgir II
Alamgir II eventually attempted to distance himself from Imad-ul-Mulk and sought an alliance with Abdali. This angered the Wazir, who feared losing control. In 1759, Imad-ul-Mulk arranged the murder of Alamgir II, ending another tragic Mughal rule. His death symbolized the complete collapse of Mughal dignity, as emperors were no longer protected even within their capital.
Conclusion
Alamgir II’s reign reflects the final unravelling of Mughal central authority. With Marathas expanding aggressively into Punjab, Rohillas struggling for survival, and Abdali preparing for confrontation, the emperor could do little to influence events. His assassination marked the Mughal throne’s total helplessness in the face of rising powers. Although the Third Battle of Panipat occurred after his death, the stage for that historic clash was set entirely during his rule. Alamgir II stands as another symbol of how the empire’s internal decay allowed regional and foreign powers to reshape North India.
FAQ
When did Alamgir II rule the Mughal Empire?
He ruled from 1754 to 1759, a period dominated by Maratha expansion and Afghan resurgence.
Why was Alamgir II considered a puppet emperor?
He was placed on the throne by the Wazir Imad-ul-Mulk, who controlled all major decisions, leaving Alamgir II with no real authority.
How did the Marathas expand into Punjab during his reign?
The Marathas pushed aggressively northward, capturing Lahore, Attock, and even Peshawar briefly, while expelling many Rohilla Afghans from the region.
Why did Abdali see the Maratha expansion as a threat?
Maratha control over Punjab directly challenged Afghan influence and threatened the Durrani Empire’s security on its eastern frontier.
What role did Rohillas play during this period?
The Rohillas were caught between the Marathas and Abdali. They lost influence in Punjab but later sought Abdali’s support to counter Maratha dominance.
How did Alamgir II’s reign contribute to the Third Battle of Panipat?
The Marathas’ occupation of Punjab, Abdali’s counter-reaction, weakening of Rohillas, and the Mughal court’s inability to control events created the conditions for the 1761 battle.
Why was Alamgir II assassinated?
He was murdered on the orders of Imad-ul-Mulk, who feared that the emperor was aligning with Abdali and might remove him from power.
How did Maratha–Afghan rivalry shape North India?
It led to massive military mobilization, shifting alliances, decline of Mughal influence, and set the stage for a major confrontation at Panipat.
What internal weaknesses of the Mughal Empire were exposed during Alamgir II’s rule?
Factional politics, dominance of nobles, military disunity, financial decline, and the emperor’s lack of authority.
Why did the empire fail to stop Maratha expansion?
Weak leadership, dependence on feudal armies, internal rivalries, and absence of a unified central command made resistance impossible.
