Mughal Empire Overview and Akbar's Reign

Akbar, a Mughal emperor, allowed religious freedom for Hindus and other religious minorities, such as letting them build temples, eliminating the Jizya tax and allowing for Hindu leaders and people to hold important leadership roles.

The period of Akbar's rule (1556-1605), marked by significant cultural and artistic achievements, economic growth, and religious tolerance.

The Mughal empire, initially founded by Babur, consolidated power through military conquest, establishing a large and significant Islamic empire in India.

Akbar implemented a new financial system that used a graduated income tax based on wealth.

Aurangzeb, a later Mughal emperor, reversed some of Akbar's religious tolerance policies, re-establishing the Jizya tax and creating conflicts with Hindus, which caused unrest and eventually contributed to the fall of the empire.

The Mughal Empire had various religious groups. They faced the difficult task of managing this diversity within their political system.

A tax levied on non-Muslims in Akbar's Empire.

Akbar allowed Hindus to serve in the Mughal army, promoting religious tolerance.

Akbar, a Mughal emperor, was known for allowing Hindus in his army and government, and for religious tolerance, abolishing taxes on non-Muslims.

Aurangzeb, a later Mughal emperor, enforced strict Islamic laws, restricting Hindu practices, re-imposing taxes, and leading to rebellions.

Babur, from Uzbekistan, founded the Mughal Empire by conquering Delhi in the early 1500s, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in much of India.

Akbar's rule (1556-1605) marked a high point in the Mughal Empire's power and prosperity due to his tolerant policies.

The Mughals, like the Ottomans and Safavids, used gunpowder weaponry like cannons to build their vast empire.

Todar Mal, a Hindu minister under Akbar, developed a sophisticated tax system (graduated income tax) that helped manage the revenue of the diverse empire.

Early Mughals allowed Hindus in their army and administrative roles.

By the 1700s, the empire declined due to Aurangzeb's less tolerant policies, rebellions, and financial strain from wars, eventually giving way to British colonization.

The Mughals were the first Muslim rulers to control most of India before British colonialism, based on hydraulic systems similar to the Indus Valley.

Akbar's rule (1556-1605) expanded the Mughal Empire. He was relatively tolerant allowing Hindus in the army and government, and eliminating the Jizya tax.

Aurangzeb (1658-1707), reimposed the Jizya tax, was intolerant, causing rebellions, significant debt, and extreme famine, leading to empire weakening.

The Mughal Empire weakened in the 1700s, with the British East India Company gradually gaining power, ultimately leading to British rule in the 1800s.

Akbar introduced a new tax system based on a graduated income tax based on wealth, leading to a more just and open environment for peasants.

Mughal architecture and governance were influenced by empires like the Ottomans and Safavids.