Introduction
The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur in 1526, was one of the largest and most influential empires in Indian history. It is known for centralized administration, cultural synthesis, economic prosperity, and architectural achievements. The empire reached its peak under Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
1. Major Mughal Rulers
| Ruler | Period | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Babur | 1526 – 1530 CE | Founder; victory in Battle of Panipat; established Mughal dynasty |
| Humayun | 1530 – 1556 CE | Faced challenges; temporarily lost empire to Sher Shah Suri; later regained |
| Akbar | 1556 – 1605 CE | Consolidation of empire; Din-i-Ilahi; revenue reforms (Ain-i-Dahsala) |
| Jahangir | 1605 – 1627 CE | Strengthened administration; patron of art and culture |
| Shah Jahan | 1628 – 1658 CE | Architectural zenith: Taj Mahal, Red Fort; economic prosperity |
| Aurangzeb | 1658 – 1707 CE | Expanded empire to greatest territorial extent; orthodox policies; decline begins after his reign |
2. Administration
- Centralized monarchy with emperor at the top.
- Mansabdari system: Military-administrative ranking system; Mansabs determined officials’ rank and revenue assignment.
- Provinces divided into Subahs, governed by Subahdars, assisted by Diwan (finance) and Bakshi (military).
- Revenue system: Zabt system – crop-based revenue assessment.
- Law: Sharia for Muslims; local customs for non-Muslims.
3. Economy
- Agriculture was the backbone; use of improved irrigation and crop rotation.
- Trade and commerce flourished both inland and overseas; textile industry (silk, cotton) thrived.
- Standardized currency: Rupiya, gold and silver coins.
- Guilds and markets regulated economic activity.
4. Society & Religion
- Multi-religious empire: Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians.
- Akbar promoted religious tolerance (Sulh-i-Kul) and integration of Rajputs.
- Aurangzeb’s orthodox policies created religious tension, especially in Deccan.
- Education, literature, and arts patronized by rulers and nobles.
5. Culture, Art & Architecture
Art & Literature:
- Mughal painting: Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan periods saw miniature painting flourish.
- Persian literature patronized; translation of Hindu texts into Persian.
Architecture:
- Blend of Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles.
- Notable monuments:
- Taj Mahal (Agra) – Shah Jahan
- Red Fort (Delhi) – Shah Jahan
- Fatehpur Sikri – Akbar
- Humayun’s Tomb (Delhi) – Humayun
Science & Technology:
- Astronomy, medicine, and architecture developed under royal patronage.
6. Decline of Mughal Empire
- After Aurangzeb (1707), empire fragmented due to:
- Weak successors
- Regional uprisings (Marathas, Sikhs)
- Economic strain from wars and taxation
- European colonial powers gaining influence
Significance
Promoted urbanization, crafts, and economy, leaving lasting imprint on Indian society.
Consolidated northern and central India politically for two centuries.
Cultural synthesis: Indo-Persian art, architecture, literature.
Advanced administration, revenue system, and trade networks.
Legacy influenced later Indian kingdoms and colonial administration.