The Mughal Empire, 1526—1707 (OCR)

Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire?

Babur, who ruled from 1526 to 1530.

What event marked the establishment of the Mughal Empire?

The decisive victory of Babur at the Battle of Panipat in 1526.

What significant military tactics did Babur use in his invasion of India?

Superior military tactics and artillery (gunpowder).

What were the key challenges faced by Humayun during his reign?

Rebellions from Afghan nobles and Rajput rulers, and conflict with Sher Shah Suri.

What influence did Humayun's exile in Persia have on Mughal culture?

It exposed him to Persian culture, art, and military techniques.

What notable policy did Akbar implement regarding religion?

A policy of religious tolerance known as Sulh-i-Kul (Peace for All).

What was the Mansabdari System established by Akbar?

A military-bureaucratic system granting ranks to nobles in return for military service and administrative duties.

What were the main components of Akbar's administrative reforms?

Centralized administration, land revenue system, and division of the empire into provinces.

What was Akbar's stance on the Jizya Tax?

He abolished the Jizya Tax on non-Muslims.

What was the significance of the Taj Mahal?

A mausoleum commissioned by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, symbolizing love and imperial grandeur.

What characterized Jahangir's reign as the Mughal emperor?

Patronage of art and stability, continued cultural flourishing.

What was the result of Shah Jahan's military campaigns?

Mixed results, with extensive trade and wealth but also personal strife leading to his deposition.

What changed in Aurangzeb's religious policies compared to Akbar?

Aurangzeb re-imposed the Jizya tax and adopted a more orthodox Islamic approach.

What were the economic issues faced by the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's reign?

Continuous warfare drained the treasury and led to declines in agricultural productivity.

Who were the major regional powers that emerged during the decline of the Mughal Empire?

The Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs, along with semi-independent Nawabs.

What major foreign invasion weakened the Mughal Empire's prestige?

Nadir Shah's invasion in 1739.

What characterized the Mughal painting style?

A blend of Persian, Indian, and European influences.

What is the significance of the Akbarnama?

An important historical chronicle documenting Akbar's reign.

How did Mughal architecture evolve during Shah Jahan's reign?

It reached its zenith with structures like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, emphasizing grandeur.

What economic system underpinned the Mughal economy?

The land revenue system, posing as the backbone of agricultural economy.

What role did women play in Mughal society?

Varied by class and religion; elite women had some influence in a predominantly patriarchal society.

What was the impact of Aurangzeb's rule on the Mughal Empire?

Although he expanded the empire, his conservative policies and continuous warfare contributed to its decline.

What literary developments occurred during the Mughal Empire?

The flourishing of Persian and Urdu poetry, and the emergence of Urdu as a language.

What was Akbar's contribution to cultural synthesis?

He promoted religious dialogue and included non-Muslims in his administration, fostering cultural integration.

Explain the administrative hierarchy of the Mughal Empire.

The emperor held ultimate authority, assisted by advisors such as the Wazir, Mir Bakshi, and Qazi-ul-Qazat.