Revisiting Bayly’s ‘Informational Breakdown and Political Decline’: The Mughal State

Summary

This article challenges C. A. Bayly’s argument that the Mughal Empire’s decline was caused by an "informational breakdown," asserting instead that the state continued to receive adequate information but failed to act effectively on it. The author examines the Mughal information system, particularly during Aurangzeb’s reign, highlighting the persistence of intelligence networks like *wāqāinawīs* (official news reporters) and *khufianawīs* (secret spies). Despite Bayly’s claims of declining communication after 1680, evidence suggests the Mughals maintained efficient postal systems and regional intelligence operations, as seen in the Deccan. The article also critiques Bayly’s reliance on travelogues, noting their potential biases and lack of empirical rigor. It further emphasizes the Mughal state’s reliance on local informants and detailed record-keeping, including village documents like *patwārī* and *qānūngos*. While acknowledging Aurangzeb’s administrative shifts, such as prioritizing moral surveillance, the author argues there is insufficient evidence to conclude a systemic collapse. Instead, the decline is attributed to broader political and economic factors rather than a failure in information flow. The analysis underscores the complexity of Mughal governance and the need for a more nuanced understanding of their administrative mechanisms.