Introduction – The Rise of the Mughal Empire

• The Mughals were descendants of two great rulers:
  • Timur (from father’s side – Central Asia, Persia)
  • Genghis Khan (from mother’s side – Mongolia, China)
• The Mughals came from Central Asia and established one of the most powerful empires in India.
• The empire lasted from 1526 CE to 1857 CE, bringing significant political, social, and cultural changes.

Babur – The Founder of the Mughal Empire

• Babur (1526–1530 CE) was the first Mughal emperor.
• He defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526) and established Mughal rule in India.
• He introduced gunpowder, artillery, and cavalry tactics, making the Mughals a dominant force.

Major Battles of Babur

• First Battle of Panipat (1526) – Defeated Ibrahim Lodi, marking the beginning of Mughal rule.
• Battle of Khanwa (1527) – Defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar.
• Battle of Ghaghra (1529) – Defeated Afghan chiefs and solidified Mughal power.

Expansion Under Akbar – The Greatest Mughal Ruler

• Akbar (1556–1605 CE) was the most powerful Mughal emperor.
• He expanded the empire through military conquests and diplomacy.
• He introduced policies of religious tolerance, earning the loyalty of Hindus and Muslims.

Akbar’s Military Conquests

• Second Battle of Panipat (1556) – Defeated Hemu and established full control over Delhi.
• Conquered Rajput kingdoms – But made alliances with Rajput rulers like Raja Man Singh.
• Annexed Gujarat, Bengal, Kashmir, and Deccan.

Akbar’s Religious Policies

• Introduced Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) to unify religions.
• Abolished Jizya tax (tax on non-Muslims) to promote religious harmony.
• Built Fatehpur Sikri, his new capital.

Mughal Administration – A Strong Governance System

The Mughals introduced an efficient system of administration that lasted for centuries.

1. Central Administration

• Emperor – Supreme authority, had absolute power.
• Wazir (Prime Minister) – Managed finance and administration.
• Mir Bakshi – Head of the military.
• Qazi (Judges) – Handled law and justice.

2. Mansabdari System (Introduced by Akbar)

• Mansabdars (military officials) were ranked according to their army size.
• They were given Jagirs (land grants) instead of salaries.

3. Revenue System (Developed by Raja Todar Mal)

• Zabt system – Land was measured and taxed accordingly.
• Farmers paid one-third of their produce as tax.

Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb – The Later Mughals

1. Jahangir (1605–1627 CE)

• Continued Akbar’s policies but became influenced by his Persian wife Nur Jahan.
• Allowed British East India Company to trade in India (1615).

2. Shah Jahan (1628–1658 CE)

• Built Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid.
• Expanded the empire but spent too much on architecture.

3. Aurangzeb (1658–1707 CE)

• Expanded the empire to its largest size but faced many rebellions.
• Reimposed Jizya tax, leading to Hindu dissatisfaction.
• Fought against Marathas (Shivaji), Rajputs, and Sikhs.

The Mughal Empire and Its Relations with Rajputs and Other Kingdoms

• Akbar followed a policy of diplomacy and alliance with Rajputs.
• Many Rajput rulers joined Mughal administration and became Mansabdars.
• Aurangzeb, however, fought against Rajputs and other regional rulers, weakening the empire.

Mughals vs. Other Kingdoms

• Fought against the Marathas, Ahoms, and Sikhs.
• Tried to control Deccan but failed, leading to Mughal decline.

Mughal Society, Economy, and Cultural Achievements

1. Society and Economy

• Farmers paid heavy taxes but produced surplus food.
• Trade flourished with Persia, Europe, and Central Asia.
• Cities like Delhi, Agra, and Lahore became important trade centers.

2. Art, Literature, and Architecture

• Taj Mahal – Built by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal.
• Fatehpur Sikri – Built by Akbar with Persian and Indian styles.
• Mughal Paintings – Flourished during Jahangir’s rule.
• Persian literature and Urdu language developed.

Decline of the Mughal Empire – Causes and Consequences

The Mughal Empire declined due to weak rulers, wars, and British interference.

1. Causes of Decline

• Aurangzeb’s strict policies led to revolts by Marathas, Rajputs, and Sikhs.
• Mughals lost control over the Deccan due to constant wars.
• European powers (British, French) became stronger in India.
• Last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was defeated in 1857 by the British.

2. Consequences of Decline

• Regional kingdoms like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Nawabs of Bengal became powerful.
• The British took control of India, ending Mughal rule.

Conclusion

• The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur in 1526 CE after defeating Ibrahim Lodi.
• Akbar expanded the empire, introduced administration reforms, and promoted religious tolerance.
• Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb ruled over a vast and wealthy empire.
• The empire had a strong administration, economy, and cultural achievements.
• The Mughal decline started after Aurangzeb, leading to British control over India.