Mughal Empire: Rise, Aurangzeb & Decline

• The Mughals ruled over Delhi and the Indian subcontinent for over 200 years.
• This chapter discusses the establishment of the Mughal empire and Aurangzeb's reign, including the empire's subsequent decline.

Establishment of the Empire

• The Delhi Sultanate ended when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, leading to the rise of the Mughal dynasty.
• The period of Mughal rule is known as the Mughal period.
• Babur, the first Mughal ruler, gained control over Delhi and Agra, before passing away in 1530 CE.
• After Babur, his son Humayun took over.
• Following Humayun's death in 1556 CE, his 13-year-old son Akbar became the ruler.
• Bairam Khan, Akbar's tutor, managed the empire initially.
• Akbar eventually gained full control.
• Akbar, a famous Mughal ruler, led military campaigns in northern, eastern, and central India.
• His rule saw the expansion and strengthening of the empire.

Akbar's Reign (1556 CE - 1605 CE)

• Akbar defeated rulers in Malwa, Gondwana, Chittor, Ranthambore, and Gujarat.
• He brought most of northern India under Mughal rule.
• In 1576 CE, Akbar defeated Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar in the Battle of Haldighati.
• He changed the administration of the empire by creating military and judicial departments.
• Officers were appointed to oversee the empire's administration.
• Akbar treated people of all religions/social classes equally.
• Monuments constructed during Akbar's reign include Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Humayun's Tomb.
• Akbar died in 1605 CE, and his son Salim became the ruler, taking the title Jahangir.

Jahangir's Reign (1605 CE - 1627 CE)

• Jahangir continued Akbar's administrative system.
• In 1611 CE, Jahangir married Nur Jahan, a highly educated woman who advised him on empire matters.
• She was considered the power behind the throne.
• After Jahangir died in 1627 CE, there was a succession battle between Nur Jahan and Shah Jahan.
• Shah Jahan, Jahangir's third son, became emperor in 1628 CE.
• During his rule, Bijapur and Golconda in the Deccan were brought under Mughal control.

Shah Jahan's Reign (1628 CE - 1658 CE)

• Shah Jahan’s reign is known for cultural achievements that are now part of cultural heritage.
• Monuments made during his reign include the Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid (Delhi), Diwan-i-Aam, and Moti Masjid (Agra Fort).
• Shah Jahan moved the capital from Agra to Delhi.
• He built Shahjahanabad, a new city in Delhi, now known as Old Delhi, where the Red Fort was built.
• Shah Jahan's reign is called the Golden Age of the Mughal empire.

Aurangzeb and the Decline

• Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's third son, became the last powerful Mughal emperor.
• In 1658 CE, he killed his brothers, imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort, and crowned himself emperor.
• He ruled for almost 50 years.
• The Mughal empire reached its largest size under Aurangzeb's rule.
• Aurangzeb fought wars with the Sikhs, Marathas, and Rajputs.
• He discontinued some policies of previous Mughal rulers.
• Aurangzeb's successors were weak/inefficient.
• Governors took advantage of the weak Mughal rule and revolted.
• The arrival of European trading companies in India contributed to the decline of the empire.