By the end of Aurangzeb's reign, the Mughal Empire was in decline and beset by religious turmoil. The Hindu Maratha's were challenging their dominance across southern and central India, while foreign powers (notably the British, French, and Dutch) were trying to gain influence. India in 1707 was in turmoil, but was still one of the most wealthy and powerful regions of the world.
In other words, this is a time and place where there a lot of possible scenarios. However, it is notable that for the next century and a half, as the British consolidated their control over India, nationalism did not play an important role.
India is comprised of many groups with independent and long histories - Punjabis, Bengalis, Marathis, Tamils, Assamese, Oriya, etc. Why was their no surge of nationalism throughout the subcontinent as there was in Europe during the same century?
The closest OTL example is the Sikh Empire, but that was more of a religious movement, of course.
The challenge is to have broad-based movements (either started by the people or by governments and rulers) that emphasize the national identities of separate Indian peoples - Bengal for Bengalis! and stuff like that. This can be in opposition to Mughal rule, British influence, or anything else, really. Thoughts?
Cheers,
Ganesha
In other words, this is a time and place where there a lot of possible scenarios. However, it is notable that for the next century and a half, as the British consolidated their control over India, nationalism did not play an important role.
India is comprised of many groups with independent and long histories - Punjabis, Bengalis, Marathis, Tamils, Assamese, Oriya, etc. Why was their no surge of nationalism throughout the subcontinent as there was in Europe during the same century?
The closest OTL example is the Sikh Empire, but that was more of a religious movement, of course.
The challenge is to have broad-based movements (either started by the people or by governments and rulers) that emphasize the national identities of separate Indian peoples - Bengal for Bengalis! and stuff like that. This can be in opposition to Mughal rule, British influence, or anything else, really. Thoughts?
Cheers,
Ganesha