18th Century Indian Polity

Eighteenth-century Indian polity was characterized by a fragmented political landscape, with powerful regional kingdoms like the Marathas, Mughals, Mysore, and the Nizam's Hyderabad wielding significant authority. The Mughal Empire's central power waned, leading to decentralized governance and increased influence of local rulers. European colonial powers, especially the British, gradually expanded their control through diplomacy, military alliances, and wars. This period saw shifting alliances, rise of local dynasties, and growing European involvement, laying the groundwork for colonial rule. Despite fragmentation, these various entities maintained complex administrative systems, with varying degrees of central authority and local autonomy.