Joint Crisis Committee: Mughal Mutineers — The Mughal Succession Crisis, 1707

Aurangzeb Alamgir is arguably the most powerful and infamous emperor of the Mughal Empire. By his death in 1707, Aurangzeb’s leadership had expanded the reach and strength of the empire greater than ever before. His death, however, left the vast empire without a clear successor and ignited a power struggle exacerbated by the empire's internal divisions, economic distresses, and increasing pressure from rising regional powers and European trading companies. Aurangzeb's desire to expand his control had led to long and costly military campaigns, particularly in the south, draining the empire's resources and leading to widespread unrest. This meant that by Aurangzeb’s death, the empire was overextended. This unrest allowed regional leaders and warlords to consolidate their power and become genuine threats to the Mughal Empire, challenging the empire not only militarily but economically and culturally. Shortly after Aurangzeb’s death, skirmishes across the subcontinent emerged, and the empire's power hung in the balance.  

As a JCC, there will be two committees: The Mughal Imperial Court and a council of warlords and their trusted advisors. The Mughal Imperial Court will consist primarily of the remaining family of Aurangzeb, key military generals, influential courtiers, and regional governors. This side of the committee will be focused on maintaining the Mughal Empire’s strength in the subcontinent during a time of crisis, along with determining the successor to the throne. In the council of warlords, delegates representing the various regional powers in the subcontinent must work together to overthrow the Mughal Empire. They will, of course, also be working to ensure their own faction is the best poised to rise from the wreckage of the emperor's demise. 

gRAND CRISIS MANAGER: REESA BHOWMIK

In this Joint Crisis Committee, delegates will represent the members of the Mughal Imperial Court and the Warlord’s Council, working to address this shared crisis from their distinct points of view.

ABOUT THE GRAND CRISIS MANAGER

Reesa Bhowmik is a member of the Walsh School of Foreign Service’s class of 2026, majoring in International Economics with double minors in Justice & Peace Studies and Global Development Studies. Born in Mumbai and raised in Singapore, Reesa has always been extremely passionate about Asian history. At Georgetown, Reesa competes on the collegiate circuit with team GUMUN and has served as the Director of Delegate Affairs for NCSC LI, and as a chair at NAIMUN LXI. Besides Model UN, Reesa is on the board of Delta Phi Epsilon, Georgetown’s Professional Foreign Service Sorority, and dances in Rangila, a South Asian dance show. In her limited free time, Reesa enjoys swimming, painting, and long walks on Key Bridge. Reesa is honored to be the Grand Crisis Manager for the Mughal Succession Crisis JCC and can’t wait to meet everyone!