social change, and lament the rise of low men to positions of trust. But this Class Formation is not intended, and comes about as a by-product of the decline of the Mughals. It isnt a conscious change. Bailey attempts to examine the shifting and realigning hierarchy, and the changes in imperial hegemony. The political system operates at various levels of power, but the levels are not rigid, and development as each level is linked to developments in the other.Persistence of Mughal CultureIt seems that decreasing economic power is linked to an effort to revive the mystique surrounding the imperial person. Sikhs and Marathas felt the need to acquire imperial titles and rights to establish their rule. Though both the Sikhs and Marathas represented traditions and ideals that sought to refute the right of a Muslim state to rule them, they also tried becoming agents of Mughal sovereignty.Despite the foundation of dynasties by the regional viceroys, the rulers of Bengal, Hyderabad, Awadh and the Carnatic did not seek the title of emperor or try to usurp the Mughal emperors quasi- religious functions. And even though, Tipu Sultan took up the title of emperor, he attempted maintaining a respectable communication with the Mughal court.In spite of the breakdown of Delhis military power, there were instances when the Mughal power seemed to survive in the psyche. New rulers, including the English East India Company, issued their coinage with the Mughal emperors name prominently displayed. Prayers in mosques still were dedicated to the Mughal emperor. Even when non-muslims came to power, the old system was maintained. On the basis of the above, Bailey denounces the adequacy of the Mughal decline as a general theme to understand the century.The transformation of Mughal provinces.The provincial government ultimately gave way to the creation of autonomous kingdoms. Bailey traces these political formations to the attempts of the Mughals to strengthen the...
