Aurangzeb's death in 1707 led to a succession conflict among his sons, with Mu'azzam, Muhammad Kam Bakhsh, and Muhammad Azam Shah vying for the throne. Mu'azzam defeated Azam Shah at the Battle of Jajau, claiming the throne as Bahadur Shah I. He later defeated and killed Kam Bakhsh near Hyderabad in 1708. Muhammad Kam Bakhsh declared himself ruler in Bijapur, making strategic appointments and conquests but faced internal conspiracies and external challenges. He was accused of harshly dealing with dissent and was ultimately defeated by Bahadur Shah I, dying a prisoner after a failed rebellion.

Bahadur Shah I sought to consolidate Mughal control, annexing Rajput territories such as Amber and facing resistance in Jodhpur and Udaipur. His reign saw a Rajput rebellion, which was quelled through negotiations, restoring Ajit Singh and Jai Singh to Mughal service. The Sikh rebellion under Banda Bahadur posed a significant challenge, capturing territories and engaging in battles against Mughal forces. Despite initial successes, Banda Bahadur faced defeats and continued resistance, ultimately fleeing to the hills.

Bahadur Shah I's efforts to suppress various uprisings included negotiations, military campaigns, and attempts to capture Banda Bahadur. He faced opposition and controversies, including religious tensions over the khutba in Lahore, which led to disputes and adjustments in religious practices. Bahadur Shah I died in 1712, succeeded by his son Jahandar Shah. His reign was marked by attempts to stabilize the empire through military and diplomatic means, facing challenges from within and beyond the Mughal territories.