Mughal Empire Notes

Origins of the Mughal Empire

  • Mughals descended from Mongol and Turkic peoples of Central Asia.

  • Claimed descent from Genghis Khan and Timur.

  • Converted to Islam.

  • Originated from a kingdom on the Silk Road.

  • Became rulers of the Indian subcontinent.

Zahiruddin Babur (1483-1530)

  • Born in 1483 in Uzbekistan.

  • Founded the Mughal Empire.

  • Conquered Kabul in 1504.

  • Defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in 1526 at the Battle of Panipat, establishing Mughal rule over northern India.

  • Patron of the arts and architecture.

  • Wrote the Baburnama.

  • Died in 1530.

  • Established contacts with the Safavids and Ottomans, securing matchlock guns and cannons.

  • Used gunpowder and tulghuma tactics.

The Collapse and Restoration of the Mughal Empire Under Humayun

  • Babur’s son, ruled from 1530-56

  • Not as skilled general or warrior as his father

  • Faced challenges from Sher Shah Suri, who conquered Bengal and chased Humayun out of India.

  • Set up family as rulers for 15 years

  • Built the Grand Trunk Road which boosted trade and commerce in India, 2500 km long from Kolkata to Peshawar.

  • G.T road also helped in military implications that were important for maintaining control over a large empire.

  • Humayun retook Kabul in 1545 and reconquered his empire with Bairam Khan (strong army leader)

  • Won the Battle of Sirhind in 1555, restoring Mughal rule.

  • Control over northern India.

  • Died in 1556 due to falling down the stairs of his private observatory.

  • Introduced Persian culture and language, left impact on Indian art, literature, and music.

The Reign of Akbar the Great

  • Akbar ruled from 1556 to 1605 at age of 13.

  • Bairam Khan looked after young Akbar.

  • Assumed rule as an absolute monarch in 1560.

  • His reign was the golden age of the Mughal Empire.

The Second Battle of Panipat (1556)

  • Fought between Akbar and Hemu.

  • Hemu was a Hindu ruler who was king after defeating Akbar in Battle of Delhi.

  • Akbar, led by Bairam Khan, defeated Hemu in 2nd battle of Panipat.

  • Consolidated Mughal rule over northern India.

Akbar as a Military Leader

  • Expanded his empire through military conquests.

  • Biggest achievement was brining North India, Rajputana, Gujrat, Bengal under Mughal rule.

  • Established a strong navy.

  • Ruled over a vast empire by 1575.

  • Restored control over Kabul.

  • Faced rivals like Rana Pratap and Mirza Hakim.

Mughal Government and Religion Under Akbar

  • Government was well-organized and fair.

  • Abolished jizya tax on non-Muslims.

  • Tax system based on land and crops.

  • Showed tolerance towards Hindus, restricting cow slaughter.

  • Married Jodha Bai.

  • Follower of Sufi saint Salim Chishti, built Fatehpur Sikri after acceptance of prayers of son.

Significant buildings

  • New city Fatehpur Sikri, including Diwan-i-khas.

  • Laid foundations of Lahore Fort and Agra Fort.

Spread of Sufism during the Mughal Era

  • Mughal era was important for Sufism.

  • Sufism emphasizes spiritual truth and connection with God.

  • Played a part in shaping Muslim society.

  • Mughal Emperors were patrons of Sufism.

  • Sufi teachings spread across the subcontinent.

  • Sufi shrines were maintained and funded.

Some prominent Sufi saints:

  • Ali ibn Usman al-Hajveri (Data Ganj Bakhsh): Taught inner purification and divine love.

  • Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti: Founder of the Chishti order in India.

  • Lal Shahbaz Qalandar: Symbol of spiritual ecstasy and inclusivity.

  • Bahauddin Zakariya: Emphasized inner dimensions of Islam.

  • Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi: Revitalized the Naqshbandi Sufi order and adhered Tawhid.

EXPANSION AND DECLINE OF MUGHAL EMPIRE

Emperor Jahangir

  • Succeeded Akbar in 1605.

  • Real name was Salim.

  • Patron of culture and art.

  • Followed religious tolerance.

  • Set up a 80 ft chain of justice which people used to seek help.

  • Brought Bengal, Mewar, Ahmadnagar, and Kangra under Mughal rule.

  • Memoirs Tuzk e Jahangiri

  • No more universal faith.

  • Just and fair ruler.

  • Lost Kahandar to Safavids.

The power of his wife, Nur Jahan

  • Favourite queen.

  • Nur Jahan wielded unusual power.

  • Established family members in important positions.

  • Made decisions on behalf of the emperor.

  • Known to hunt tigers.

  • Her name displayed on coins.

  • Remained influential until Jahangir's death in 1627.

Emperor Shah Jahan

  • Established authority in India.

  • Constructed the Peacock Throne.

  • Extended the Mughal Empire to southern India, taking over Deccan.

  • Removed the Portuguese from Bengal.

  • Managed to keep hold of Kandahar for only two years.

Architecture

  • Architecture flourished.

  • Encouraged lavish decoration and the use of white marble.

  • Islamic calligraphy.

Mumtaz Mahal

  • Mumtaz was not politically ambitious but was a personal support to Shah Jahan and went on travels.

The story behind the Taj Mahal

  • The Taj Mahal was built as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal.

  • Represents the gardens of paradise.

  • Best example of Mughal architecture.

Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir

  • Aurangzeb won the Battle of Samugarh in 1658.

  • Executed his brother and imprisoned his father.

    Expanding the Mughal Empire

  • Aurangzeb ruled for almost fifty years.

  • Mughals were developed in cannons.

  • Empire reached its largest extent under Aurangzeb.

  • Fought Hindu rulers in the south.

Shivaji and the Marathas

  • Rebel Shivaji built a powerful position in West Deccan and made Marathas Empire.

  • Aurangzeb did not subdue Shivaji but defeated his son Sambhaji.

  • Marathas became powerful.

Other military struggles

  • Struggles against the British East India Company.

  • Constant struggles drained resources.

  • Local rulers challenge to the throne.

  • Bigger empire had more revolts.

Administrative policies

  • Reintroduced jizya tax.

  • Imposed Islamic laws in all forms if govt.

  • Major military leader Mirza Raja Jai Singh had Hindus working withing govt.

  • Didn't order many new buildings but Masjids and schools and colleges.

  • When Aurangzeb died, Mughals entered downfall.

    Decline of the Mughal Empire

  • Mughal court became divided.

  • Too large to be ruled effectively.

  • Army became sluggish and didn't develop any tactics, making them unable to crush the rebellious Marathas, Rajputs, Sikhs, and Jats.

  • Afghan ruler Ahmad took Lahore, Punjab, and Dehli.

  • Persians came and went, but British and French stayed and built up their power.

  • The British triumphed.

  • Mughals were weak.

    The last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar

  • Man of letters and had limited power.

  • Replaced by Queen Victoria who called herself “Empress of India”, Ending Mughal Empire.