The Sayyid Brothers

The Sayyid Brothers:

The Mughal Empire was once a formidable force in the Indian subcontinent, but by the early 18th century, internal strife and weak leadership had left it vulnerable to ambitious courtiers. Among the most influential figures of this period were the Sayyid Brothers, also known as the Sayyids of Barha.

Sayyid Hassan Ali Khan, also known as Sayyid Abdullah Khan, and Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan emerged as kingmakers, controlling the Mughal court and shaping the empire’s fate. Though they held immense power, their actions ultimately accelerated the empire’s decline.

Background: The Sayyids of Barha

The Sayyid Brothers hailed from the Barha clan. The Barha Sayyids had a long history of military service under the Mughals, particularly as commanders in the Mughal army. By the early 1700s, the Mughal throne was occupied by weak rulers, providing the Sayyid Brothers with an opportunity to assert their dominance.

Rise to Power

The brothers first gained prominence towards the end of Emperor Aurangzeb’s reign, which amplified during the reign of Bahadur Shah I. However, it was after Farrukhsiyar ascended the throne that their influence became undeniable. They had played a key role in installing him as emperor, with Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan leading the army that defeated Farrukhsiyar’s rival Jahandar Shah.

As a reward, the Sayyid Brothers were granted high-ranking positions:

- Sayyid Hassan Ali Khan became the Wazir - Prime Minister.

- Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan was appointed Mir Bakshi - Head of the Military.

With these titles, they became the most powerful figures in the empire, overshadowing the power of the emperor himself.

Influence on the Mughal Court and Empire

The Sayyid Brothers effectively controlled the Mughal Empire from 1713 to 1720. Their control over the court was so complete that they could appoint and overthrow emperors at will. Their dominance was marked by several key policies:

1. Weakening the Nobility: They removed potential rivals, including nobles and princes who could challenge their authority.

2. Foreign Alliances: To strengthen their position, they sought alliances with the Marathas and Rajputs, granting them increased autonomy in exchange for military support.

3. Economic Decline: Heavy taxation and corruption weakened the empire’s finances, contributing to economic instability.

The Puppet Emperors: Rafi-ud-Darajat and Shah Jahan II

After turning against Farrukhsiyar, the Sayyid Brothers had him deposed and executed in 1719. They then placed Rafi-ud-Darajat on the throne, but he was little more than a puppet ruler, dying of illness, or possibly poisoning within 3 months.

His successor, Rafi-ud-Daulah - Shah Jahan II, was also installed by the Sayyid Brothers but met a similar fate, dying within the same year. Their ability to replace emperors at will earned them the title of Kingmakers, but it also made them many enemies within the Mughal court.

Downfall of the Sayyid Brothers

Their absolute power inevitably led to resentment among the nobility. A powerful faction, led by Muhammad Amin Khan and Asaf Jah I - Nizam-ul-Mulk, conspired against them. The final blow came when Hussain Ali Khan was assassinated in 1720, followed by Hassan Ali Khan, who was defeated in battle and killed soon after.

With their deaths, their hold on the empire crumbled, and the Mughal throne once again became a battleground for power struggles.

How the Sayyid Brothers Weakened the Mughal Empire

While the Sayyid Brothers were skilled politicians, their rule severely weakened the Mughal Empire in several ways:

- Political Instability: The frequent removal and installation of emperors led to chaos and diminished the authority of the throne.

- Empowerment of Regional Powers: Their alliances with the Marathas and Rajputs gave these groups significant autonomy, ultimately leading to Mughal territorial losses.

- Economic Decline: Mismanagement of the treasury and heavy taxation burdened the empire’s finances.

- Weakening of Central Authority: Their dominance showed that the emperor was no longer the supreme ruler, undermining the structure of Mughal governance.

Conclusion

The Sayyid Brothers left a lasting impact on the Mughal Empire. While they were initially seen as stabilisers, their unchecked power and political maneuvering contributed to the empire’s decline. Their downfall marked the beginning of an era where the Mughal emperor became a mere figurehead, with real power shifting to regional rulers.

A depiction of the dominance the Sayyid brothers held over the empire.

To the power that brought the Sayyid's dominance and downfall, to Punjab that stood firm in the face of uncertainty. With respect - TrishSaab.