How did the decline of Mughal India affect the European traders in the region?

The decline of Mughal India in the 18th century created a power vacuum that European traders, particularly the British and the French, sought to exploit. As central authority weakened, these traders expanded their influence through trade agreements, military alliances, and outright conquest, leading to the establishment of colonial rule. The fragmentation of power among regional states also allowed European powers to secure lucrative trade routes and resources, ultimately transforming India into a key part of their empires. However, this shift also led to increased competition and conflict among European nations as they vied for dominance in the region.