Mughal Empire ( World Cultures)

Babur: The founder of the Mughal empire (first sultan). He wrote history, he played the lute, but was a poor administrator. He took over Lodi in an attempt to take back his homeland, but just ended up with a giant empire.

Akbar: He was much better than his dad and grandpa even though he was illiterate. He ascended to the throne at the age of 13. He administered everything properly and was an insomniac. He reconciled and cooperated with the Hindu princes by encouraging intermarriage. He abolished the jizya (tax on non muslims). He also said muslims must respect cows like the hindus. He also created Din I Ilahi.

Din-i-Ilahi: A new religious formed the Akbar the Great, it was a mix of Islam and Hinduism. But it really wasn't that appealing and wan't successful.

Taj Muhal: beautiful mausoleum at Agra built by the Mogul emperor Shah Jahan (completed in 1649) in memory of his favorite wife, Nur Jahan.

Nur Jahan : The wife of Shah Jahan (Jahangir) who did most of the ruling, most powerful ruler in Indian History

Aurangzeb: The great grandson of Akbar the great who basically screwed up everything Akbar did before him. He eliminated religious tolerance, and drained the treasury with his expensive military conquests.

Jahangir: Akbar's son and ruler of India; left the state affairs to his wife.

Shah Jahan: Mogul emperor of India during whose reign the finest monuments of Mogul architecture were built (including the Taj Mahal at Agra) (1592-1666).

Rise of Mughal Empire: Babur took over the Lodis in India and overpowered the Hindu princes.

Fall of Mughal Empire: There were succession and corruption issues. Aurangzeb, he led so many military conquests which drained the treasury, and he attempted to get rid of the Hindu influence. He basically reversed everything good about the Mughal empire up until that point. Like the Ottomans the Mughal empire grew too big, and was unable to move overseas. Like all the Muslim empires they failed to modernize.

\