Mughal Empire Overview

Mughal Empire

• The Mughal Empire lasted over 200 years.
• At its peak, the empire encompassed modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
• Religious tolerance was important for Mughal emperors as most subjects were Hindu.
• Babur aimed to expand his territory, and after multiple attempts to conquer Samarkand, he turned to India.
• Babur defeated the Delhi Sultanate and Rajput Confederacy in the early 16th century.
• The First Battle of Panipat (1526) marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire.
• Babur fought four years to control northern India.
• Babur's battles were costly, and he died after four years due to natural causes, leaving the Mughal Empire with limited funds.
• The First Battle of Panipat was a turning point in Indian history as it initiated the Mughal Empire and introduced new military tactics.
• Military defeats, internal dissent, and the loss of the empire followed by its recovery were significant challenges faced by Humayun.
• Key contributions to Persian art and architecture during Humayun's reign included Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Humayun's reign laid the groundwork for the expansion of his empire and the rule of Akbar the Great.
• Conflict arose between Humayun and Bahadur Shah due to the ambition of each to expand their territories.
• The Mansabdari System, a unique structure for military and civil governance, was established by Akbar.
• The system classified officials into ranks based on merit.
• Humayun was exiled due to defeats by Sher Shah Suri.
• Gujarat was conquered by Humayun.
• Afghans (Pathans) from Afghanistan/Pakistan regions played a significant role in Indian history, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods.
• Humayun and Sher Shah Suri had three major encounters at Chunar, Chausa, and Kannauj.
• Humayun's weaknesses included generosity and leniency towards opponents.
• Major challenges for Humayun included military defeats and internal dissent. He faced significant setbacks against Sher Shah Suri.
• The Mughal court had internal strife and factionalism.
• Humayun faced challenges like political instability and dealing with revolts and rebellions.
• Humayun's relationship with his brothers was strained, complicating his rule.
• Akbar actively promoted religious harmony.
• Akbar established the Din-i-Ilahi, a syncretic religion, to foster unity.
• Jahangir ensured honesty among tax collectors to maintain government funds and fair judicial practices.

British Control of Bengal

• The Battle of Plassey gave the British control of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
• Mughal Emperor bestowed administrative rights to the British after the Battle of Plassey.
• British rule in India was established.

Public Sector in Bangladesh (Late 1980s)

• Public sector roles were limited to seven areas including arms, electricity, and currency.
• Certain public corporations such as Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corp., and Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation were financially successful.
• An export processing zone was created in Chittagong in 1980.

Incentives for Enterprises in Export Processing Zones

• Five-year tax holiday for pioneer industries.
• 50 percent income tax rebate for export sales.

Foreign Investment in Bangladesh

• Bilateral investment treaties were made with countries like the US and Europe.
• Unrestricted currency transfers and compensation for expropriation were assured.

World Bank and Asian Development Bank's Roles

• World Bank supported various projects like Irrigation programs, and the primary school maintenance.
• Asian Development Bank was the second-largest donor, supporting projects like livestock development.

1990s Bangladesh Political Events

• Opposition's demand for a caretaker government.
• General Ershad's rule was ended in 1990 due to the Mass Uprising.
• Anti-government protests.
• Strikes and protests by opposition parties led to caretaker administration for the elections.
• Boycott of the 1991 elections by some major opposition parties.

Education Reforms during Khaleda Zia's Government

• Free and compulsory education for primary students.
• Tuition-free education for girls up to 10 Class.
• Food for Education Program.
• Improved access to education for girls, increasing literacy rates.

Explore the foundational aspects of the Mughal Empire, which lasted over two centuries and transformed the Indian subcontinent. This quiz covers key events, figures like Babur, and significant battles that shaped the empire's history. Test your knowledge on military strategies and the socio-political challenges the Mughal rulers faced.