After the decline of Mughal empire, the situation of instability crose in the politics of India. In this situation, various regional powers declared themselves independent and the European powers get a chance to get established here. In 18th century, the following regional powers emerged in India.

Mughals – After the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire go weakened and eventually ended. After the invasion of Nader Shah in 1739 and the invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761, the Mughal Empire almost ended. Till 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar was the emperor just for name.

Marathas – During 18th century, the Marathas extended their power under the leadership of Peshwas in North India. But this empire came to decline after the defeat in the third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Lack of unity was also a reason behind its decline.

Awadh – In 1728 CE, Saadat Khan established an independent rule in Awadh. But after the defeat in the battle of Buxar in 1764, Awadh became a dependent state of the British through the treaty of Allahabad.

Bengal – In 1740, Murshid Kuli Khan established an independent rule in Bengal but after the battle of Plassey in 1757, the British rule was established in Bengal.

Mysore – In 1761 CE, Hyder Ali became the ruler of Mysore. Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan fought a long struggle against British. In 1799, Mysore was annexed in British empire through subsidiary alliance.

Jat – Jats established their rule in Agra, Etah, Dholpur, Chambal, Mathura, Aligarh, Lakshmangarh, Punjab and Haryana. The Jat kingdom was at its height during the reign of Maharaja Surajmal.

Punjab – In Punjab, Ranjit Singh united 12 Misls and formed an independent state. In 1849 CE, Punjab was annexed in British empire.

Rajput Kingdom – When the centralized power weakned during the Mughal period, the Rajput kings of Malwa, Amer etc. made efforts to become independent.

Rohilkhand – In Rohilkhand, Ali Muhammad Khan established his independent power and made Andla (Bareilly) as his capital. Thus in 18th century, these new regional powers divided India into small sections and they always engaged in fighting with one another. As a result, one by one they became part of the British Empire.