Delve into the economic and social upheavals that characterized the transition period in 18th-century India. This episode explores the challenges faced by both the elite and everyday people as the Mughal Empire weakened and regional powers vied for control. The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 created a power vacuum, triggering intense competition between ambitious regional players and outside forces. The sacking of Delhi by Nader Shah and subsequent Afghan incursions further destabilized the region, creating widespread agrarian distress and disrupting traditional social structures. The rise of the Sikhs and Marathas, two powerful regional forces, reshaped the political landscape, while the East India Company strategically positioned itself to exploit the growing instability.

The episode further examines the impact of these upheavals on resource  ...