The Mughals: 16th to 17th Century

The Mughal Empire's strategy to maintain control over different rulers, balancing power through both military force and diplomacy.

A key strategy employed by Mughal rulers to integrate Rajput rulers into their empire, allowing them to retain control over their territories while acknowledging Mughal authority.

The term used to refer to a noble holding a position or rank within the Mughal Empire. It was a system of assigning positions and responsibilities.

A numerical value used to determine the rank, salary, and military responsibilities of a Mansabdar.

A specified number of cavalrymen a Mansabdar was responsible for maintaining.

A land grant or revenue assignment given to a Mansabdar as payment for their services. It was a form of salary but didn't require the Mansabdar to live on the land.

A system of assigning revenue assignments based on military service in the Mughal Empire. It allowed for a centralized system of governing and collecting taxes.

The Mughal Empire's strategy to expand its power by including various ethnic groups into its administration. It helped to secure loyalty and spread its influence.

The Mughal Empire, founded in the 16th century, ruled over a vast territory encompassing the Indian subcontinent. They established a strong administrative system, lasting governance, and left a significant cultural legacy that continues to influence India.

The Mughal emperors descended from both Genghis Khan and Timur, renowned rulers of Central Asia and Persia, respectively.

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, seized Kabul in 1504 and defeated the Sultan of Delhi at Panipat in 1526, securing the capital cities of Agra and Delhi.

The Mughals practiced coparcenary inheritance, where all sons received a share of the inheritance, contrasting with the primogeniture system where only the eldest son inherited the entire estate.

The Mughals, descendants of Genghis Khan, were initially averse to being called "Mughal" due to the negative connotations associated with Genghis Khan's conquests and the Uzbegs. However, they embraced their Timurid ancestry, honoring the legacy of Timur who captured Delhi.

The Mughals created elaborate genealogical paintings that featured portraits of Timur and the current ruler, showcasing their proud lineage and connection to the Timurid legacy.

The Red Fort in Delhi, once the residence of Mughal emperors, now serves as a symbol of India's independence and is the venue for the Prime Minister's address on Independence Day.

The Mughals established administrative structures and ideas of governance that left a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent, influencing subsequent rulers.

The main source of income for the Mughal Empire. It was a tax based on the crops produced by the peasantry.

Intermediaries who collected taxes from the peasantry on behalf of the Mughal rulers. Could be local headmen or powerful chieftains.

The jagir was a land grant given to Mughal officials based on their rank. The revenue generated from the jagir was meant to be equal to the official's salary, but this system changed under Aurangzeb.

A three-volume history of Akbar's reign written by Abul Fazl. It details the administration, army, revenues, geography, and culture of the Mughal Empire.

The third volume of Akbar Nama, it focuses specifically on Akbar's administration, military, and the detailed descriptions of Mughal life and culture.

The exploitation of zamindars by Mughal administrators, coupled with the decrease in jagirs under Aurangzeb, contributed to the exploitation of the peasantry and instability in the Mughal Empire.

The policy of universal peace and tolerance practiced by Mughal Emperor Akbar, allowing for the coexistence of different religions and beliefs.

A term used to describe the rich statistical details recorded in the Ain-i Akbari, covering areas like agriculture, trade, wages, revenue and more.

Nur Jahan, Jahangir's wife, was not just a queen, but held significant power and influence. She was even honored on coins struck during Jahangir's reign, showcasing her influence.

While the Mughal Empire flourished economically, the wealth was unevenly distributed. A small group of high-ranking officials received a disproportionately large share of revenue, leaving little for the ordinary people.

The Mughal emperors and their officials spent a significant portion of their income on salaries and goods, benefiting artisans and farmers who supplied them.

The Mughal Empire's administrative and military strength led to great economic success, attracting travelers and establishing it as a wealthy land.

Even though the Mughal Empire was considered wealthy, a significant portion of the population lived in poverty due to the highly unequal distribution of wealth.

Jahangir, Akbar's son, described his father's policy of