JCC Mughal Mutineers: The Mughal Succession Crisis, 1707 — The Mughal Imperial Court

APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 25 delegates

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. The emperor is dead, and in his wake he leaves behind a gaping power chasm and a drained and disconnected empire in the Indian subcontinent. As the Court of the Mughal Empire, delegates have no shortage of problems to consider during this committee. Firstly, as it stands, the empire is in desperate need of organization. However, the form this leadership takes, whether it is leadership by committee or a new ruler who makes a play for the throne, lies in the hands of the delegates. Looking outward, the Mughal Imperial Court has to address the consequences of the chaotic state of the Indian subcontinent. Firstly, the warlords of India, individuals who have often worked under oversight and control by the Mughal Empire, have grown increasingly unruly and are looking to gain power. Skirmishes and sieges have emerged all over the empire. Second, many conventional trade lines and relationships, both domestically and internationally, have been disrupted. The committee must determine how to reignite the economy if the nation ever hopes to stabilize itself. Lastly, the legitimacy of the empire in the nation is currently in question. Legitimacy comes in many forms, whether political, cultural, or charismatic. And as an empire that did not originate on the subcontinent, legitimacy in the eyes of the people is all the more necessary to keep the fractured state together. The delegates must find a way to gain this legitimacy as the empire enters a new chapter.

ISSUES TO CONSIDER

Consolidating and Protecting Imperial Power

Economic Policies to Strengthen the Empire

Cultural Patronage and Gaining the People’s Backing

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Learn how political relationships impact the formation and perseverance of states, as well as explore forming these relationships in committee.

• Explore the intersection between economic and political power, and consider the role economic strength plays in allowing states to grow and gain legitimacy.

• Understand the role popular opinion plays in influencing a political system, even without formalized democratic structures. 

About the Chair

Aditya Vishahan is a member of the class of 2026 at the College of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University. Although he was born in India, he moved to Edison, New Jersey where he spent most of his life. Aditya is a Government Major with intended minors in Economics, Statistics, and Journalism. Aditya has served as a Crisis Analyst and Director during past NAIMUN and NCSC Conferences. On campus, Aditya is involved with Georgetown’s International Relations Club, Georgetown University College Democrats, and GU Politics. In his free time, Aditya loves to cook, play tennis with his friends, and is currently learning how to play the guitar.  Aditya is incredibly excited to be a chair for the Mughal Imperial Court and cannot wait to meet everyone at NAIMUN LXII!

About the Crisis manager

Aaron Chan is from Millburn, New Jersey, and is a member of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service Class of 2026. He is a Business and Global Affairs major while minoring in Psychology and International Development. Within Georgetown’s MUN conferences, he has served as both crisis analyst and crisis manager for NAIMUN XL, NAIMUN XLI, and NCSC LI. On campus, Aaron has served as the Georgetown International Relations Club’s Chief of Staff and is the IRC’s new Chair for the 2024-2025 academic year. For hobbies, Aaron loves procrastinating his homework by reading fantasy books and growing plants because university regulations won’t let him keep pets. He is very excited to welcome you all to Washington D.C. and serve as your Crisis Manager for the JCC Mughal Mutineers: The Mughal Imperial Court committee.