Mughal Empire: History and Administration

Study Notes

Founded by Babur in 1526 after defeating the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty, Ibrahim Lodi, in the First Battle of Panipat
Expanded rapidly under Babur's successors, particularly Akbar the Great (1556-1605), who conquered much of northern India
Empire reached its peak during the rule of Shah Jahan (1628-1658) and Aurangzeb (1658-1707)

Subahs: The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a subahdar (governor) responsible for administration, taxation, and military command
** Mansabdari system**: A hierarchical system of rank and salary for nobles and officials, with mansabdars holding military and administrative positions
Ahadi and Du-Aspah systems: A system of military organization, with cavalrymen and infantrymen organized into units and brigades

Agriculture: The Mughal Empire was an agrarian economy, with a strong emphasis on agriculture and irrigation systems
Trade and commerce: The empire was a major center of trade, with trade routes connecting India to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe
Architecture and art: The Mughals developed a distinct style of architecture, blending Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences, as seen in the Taj Mahal and Red Fort
Literature and education: The Mughals patronized scholars and poets, with a focus on Persian, Arabic, and Urdu literature

Mughal-Maratha Wars: A series of conflicts with the Maratha Empire (1680-1707) weakened the Mughal Empire
British East India Company: The company's growing influence and territorial expansion further eroded Mughal power
Legacy: The Mughal Empire left a lasting legacy in Indian politics, architecture, art, literature, and cuisine

Babur founded the Mughal Empire in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat
The empire expanded rapidly under Babur's successors, particularly Akbar the Great who conquered much of northern India from 1556 to 1605
The empire reached its peak during the rule of Shah Jahan from 1628 to 1658 and Aurangzeb from 1658 to 1707

The empire was divided into provinces called subahs, each governed by a subahdar responsible for administration, taxation, and military command
The mansabdari system was a hierarchical system of rank and salary for nobles and officials, with mansabdars holding military and administrative positions
The Ahadi and Du-Aspah systems were used for military organization, with cavalrymen and infantrymen organized into units and brigades

The Mughal Empire was an agrarian economy, with a strong emphasis on agriculture and irrigation systems
The empire was a major center of trade, with trade routes connecting India to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe
The Mughals developed a distinct style of architecture, blending Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences, as seen in the Taj Mahal and Red Fort
The Mughals patronized scholars and poets, with a focus on Persian, Arabic, and Urdu literature

The Mughal-Maratha Wars weakened the Mughal Empire from 1680 to 1707
The growing influence and territorial expansion of the British East India Company further eroded Mughal power
The Mughal Empire left a lasting legacy in Indian politics, architecture, art, literature, and cuisine