Mughal Empire: History and Legacy

• The Mughal Empire is an overview of its rise, culture, and legacy
• The Mughal Empire existed in South Asia

Key Terms

• Genealogy is a term for remembering
• Mansabdar is a term for remembering
• Zat is a term for remembering
• Jagir is a term for remembering
• Zabt is a term for remembering
• Diwan is a term for remembering

Mughal Empire Classical Period

• Babur reigned 1526-1530
• Humayun reigned 1530-1556
• Akbar reigned 1556-1605
• Jahangir reigned 1605-1627
• Shah Jahan reigned 1628-1658
• Aurangzeb reigned 1659-1707

Duration and Geography

• The Mughal Empire was established in 1526
• The Mughal Empire dissolved in the mid-18th century, officially after the British took control in the 1850s
• It geographically encompassed large parts of present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan

Founding and Major Figures

• Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, founded the empire
• He defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526

Notable Emperors

• Humayun experienced a significant fall but returned to power with Persian assistance
• Akbar (1556-1605) is known for policies of religious tolerance, administrative reforms, and cultural integration
• Akbar is often regarded as one of the greatest emperors
• Shah Jahan (1628-1658) is famous for architectural contributions, notably the Taj Mahal, built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal
• Aurangzeb (1658-1707) oversaw the empire's greatest territorial extent but faced criticisms for religious intolerance and heavy taxation

Military Campaigns

• Babur, the first Mughal emperor, captured Delhi in 1526 by defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of Panipat
• Humayun captured Delhi back in 1555
• Akbar captured Chittor (1568), Ranthambor (1569), Gujarat, Bihar, Bengal, Kashmir, Berar Khandesh, etc. (1585-1605)
• Jahangir campaigned against Sikhs and Ahoms
• Shah Jahan captured Ahmadnagar and Bijapur
• Aurangzeb waged a long battle in the Deccan

Akbar’s Policies

• Akbar ardently desired religious unity in India, and therefore founded a religion
• Akbar held discussions with the Brahmin scholars, and reputed theologians of other faiths in the balcony of his room during the night
• The emperor adopted many Hindu beliefs and practices
• Spiritual awakening changed Akbar's religious policy

Nur Jahan

• Nur Jahan quickly gained ascendency over her husband
• She was one of the most powerful and influential women at court during the Mughal Empire
• She was more decisive and proactive than her husband

Timeline

• 1237: Genghis Khan died
• 1404: Timur died
• 1526-1530: Reign of Babur
• Babur captured Delhi in 1526, defeating Ibrahim Lodi and establishing the Mughal Empire
• 1539: Sher Shah defeated Humayun at Chausa
• 1540: Sher Shah defeated Humayun at Kanauj
• 1555: Humayun recaptured Delhi
• 1556: Akbar became the Mughal Emperor at the age of 13
• 1568: Akbar seized Sisodiya capital of Chittor
• 1569: Akbar seized Ranthambhore
• 1605-1627: Jahangir ruled over Delhi as the Mughal emperor
• 1627-1658: Shah Jahan reigned over Delhi
• 1632: Ahmednagar annexed by Shah Jahan
• 1658-1707: Aurangzeb reigned over Delhi
• 1685: Aurangzeb annexed Bijapur
• 1687: Aurangzeb annexed Golconda
• 1698: Aurangzeb campaigned in the Deccan against the Marathas

Administration and Economy

• The Mughal Empire developed a strong centralized administration with a complex bureaucracy
• This utilized a system of provinces (subahs) governed by appointed officials
• The economy thrived on agriculture, trade, and a rich craft industry, leading to a prosperous society and the emergence of urban centers
• There was a centralized bureaucracy, with ministers and noble classes playing key roles
• A taxation system and land revenue policies were implemented
• Regional governance consisted of semi-autonomous provinces

Cultural Contributions

• The Mughal Empire made significant contributions to art, architecture, and literature, merging Persian, Indian, and Islamic influences
• Architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri exemplify Mughal achievements
• Persian influence can be seen in Indian art and language, with Urdu being a blend of Persian and local languages
• Akbar's policy of Sulh-i-Kul promoted peace among all
• There was a promotion of religious syncretism with Din-i Ilahi
• Tensions during Aurangzeb's rule impacted Hindu-Muslim relations

Economic Development

• Prosperity came through agriculture, trade, and commerce
• Trade routes connecting India with Europe and Central Asia played an important role
• There was urbanization and growth of cities

Decline

• The empire declined after the death of Aurangzeb, due to internal strife, succession disputes, and rising regional powers
• The invasion by Nadir Shah of Persia in 1739 and the rise of the British East India Company caused disintegration

Legacy

• The Mughal Empire left a lasting cultural and historical impact on the Indian subcontinent
• It influenced architecture, language, cuisine, and regional governance structures
• Complex history continues to shape the modern identity and socio-political landscape of South Asia