Delhi

The triangular Indian subcontinent forms the southernmost part of Central Asia. The Himalaya mountain range stretches across the north of India To the west of India is the Arabian Sea To the east of India is the Bay of Bengal To the south are large plains and it is dominated by major river systems, including the Indus and Ganges Rivers

Indus River Ganges River

Even before Timur invaded India, people there had heard of this Mongol conqueror. He had destroyed entire cities and their population in other parts of Asia. In 1398, he and his troops marched to northern India, in search of riches. They ruined fields of crops and quickly captured Delhi, the capital city. Timur and his troops killed many people and took hundreds of slaves. They also carried away great treasures such as pearls, golden dishes, rubies and diamonds.

Rubies Diamonds Golden Dishes

Timur was more interested in conquering new lands than in governing those he had defeated and not long after the Mongols invaded Delhi they departed A sultan, or Muslim ruler, took control of the city.

From 1206 to 1526, a series of sultans controlled northern India as well as parts of present day Bangladesh and Pakistan. This period of India’s history is called the Delhi Sultanate after the capital city, Delhi.

During the Muslim invasion, the region was experiencing a revival of the ancient Hindu religion. The revival had begun about 600 AD Hindus accept many gods, but they believe that all of these gods are just different aspects of one Supreme Being.

Major Hindu Beliefs Dharma: code of conduct, disciplines guiding each individuals life Karma: refers to the actions performed by each individual during a lifetime, a good action has a good result, a bad action has a bad result Samsara: cycle of life, death and rebirth

The Indian Social practice of the caste system, a strict system of social classes, controls everyday life. Varna- temperament (religious) Jati- occupation/guild based (social) There is no basis for the discriminatory nature of the caste system in Hindu scripture. Abused by those foreign invaders…Mughal and British alike.

Muslims who controlled the Delhi Sultanate did not become part of the Hindu society Muslim culture is based on beliefs that are very different from those of Hindu culture and there difference caused conflicts between the two groups.

In 1526, a Mongol prince named Babur took advantage of the weakend Delhi Sultanate. Babur was a Muslim descendant of the Mongol conqueror Timur. The prince defeated the sultan and went onto control the capital city, Delhi.

Babur founded the celebrated Mughal Empire, whose Muslim rulers controlled India from , Mughal is another word for Mongol 25 years after Babur’s death, the empire came under the control of Babur’s grandson, Akbar and he would become the greatest Mughal leader of India, his strong central government lasted in India for the next 100 years.

When he came to power he was only 13 years old but he was able to expand the Mughal Empire.

Akbar encouraged the arts. He set up studios for painters at his court He supported poets, although he never learned how to read or write. He brought together scholars from different religions for discussions. He consulted with Muslims, Hindu, Buddhists, and Christians. (Took a wife from each!) Akbar was Muslim but gained the support of his Hindu subjects through his policy of toleration.

He allowed Hindus to practice their religion freely and he ended unfair taxes that had been required of non-Muslims. Akbar created a strong central government and he gave government jobs to qualified people, whatever their religion or caste. These policies helped Hindus and Muslims live together and strengthen Mughal power in India.

In 1605, Akbar died and most of the northern India was under his control. He ruled the Mughal Empire for 49 years, earning himself he nickname “the Great.”

Jahangir- Akbar the Great’s Son Ruled Put down a rebellion led by his own son Similar to his father: time of political stability, strong economy and culture, religious freedom 800 wives at one time in his harem

More than 100 years after Akbar’s death, the Mughal Empire began to fall apart. Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan became emperor in 1628 and spent a fortune on extravagant buildings. The Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan, it was a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal- wife of Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal was built in her honor, offered Shah Jahan advice on many government issues

Shah Jahan

Aurangzeb is in Red Murad Bakhsh Shah Shuja

-Aurangzeb and his brothers grew up in bitter rivalry -Shah Jahan watched his children fight over the throne, Aurangzeb was not his favored son -Aurangzeb won power over his oldest brother -Jahan’s son, Aurangzeb imprisoned his father at Agra Fort for more than eight years. He died with his eyes gazing upon the Great Taj Mahal!

Agra Fort (Red Fort) Walled city, 94 acres Hindu and Islamic Art Gardens, gates, towers Koh-i-Noor Diamond found here (186 Carats= $30 Million+) Curse on men who wear it- Now a part of the British crown jewels. Specifically found in the Queen’s crown

–Aurangzeb spent more money on expensive wars and revised Akbar’s policies toward Hindus. –He tried to force Hindus to convert to the Muslim faith and began to tax them. –Aurangzeb changed the policy of Hindus for the negative, Many Hindus rebelled and fighting the rebels cost more money. –After his death the empire split into small kingdoms.