Why didn't Mordecai raise Esther as his child why did he raise her as his niece?

Mordecai raised Esther as his niece because she was actually his cousin; her parents had died, and he took her in to provide care and protection. In Jewish culture, it was common for relatives to take on the upbringing of orphaned family members. By raising her in this manner, he ensured her safety and maintained family ties while also allowing her to retain her identity as a member of her family. This relationship also positioned Esther within the royal court, where she would eventually play a crucial role in saving her people.