The Mughal Empire in India

Beginnings Descendants of Genghis Khan & Tamerlane ~1000: Turkish armies invade India & establish the Delhi Sultanate Treat Hindus as conquered peoples Rule from Delhi for nearly 400 years 1398: Tamerlane destroys the city 1494: Babur establishes foundation for Mughal Empire Excellent general

Akbar Known as the “Great” Military: Aggressive commander Rules for almost 50 years Military: Aggressive commander Used artillery to conquer many walled cities Political: Appointed rajputs as officers = allies & unification Empire of 100 million people

Akbar (cont.) Allowed religious freedom Married Hindus w/o conversion Abolished the tax for non-Muslims Everyone could rise to a high government post Leads to quality leadership Ex: fair income tax system = massive wealth Land policies prevented development of a feudal system Akbar (cont.)

Culture Welcomed emissaries from all over the world = cultural diffusion Languages: Persian, Hindi, & Urdu Books & miniature paintings flourished Revival in Hindu literature Poem of Ramayana Architecture: Massive, intricate stone structures Akbar period architecture

Successors Jahangir, Akbar’s son, let wife rule state affairs = an iron hand Princess Nur Jahan Brilliant politician & real ruler of India Dispute with Khusrau (son) leads to religious conflict Turns to the Sikhs (nonviolent religious group) Target of Mughal hatred

Shah Jahan Successor to Jahangir Assassinated all political rivals Passion for buildings & his wife, Mumtaz Mahal 1631: Mahal dies giving birth Commissions a beautiful tomb to be built for her = the Taj Mahal

Suffering People suffer greatly under Jahan’s rule Famine & high taxes to facilitate ruler’s lifestyle 1657: Jahan becomes ill and a civil war b/w his sons erupts over power Aurangzeb kills oldest brother & imprisons father

Aurangzeb Master strategist & builder Expands empire to greatest size Empire’s power weakens = oppressive Outlawed many activities & appointed censors Brings back tax on non-Muslims Outraged Hindus = rebellion Birth of Marathas Levies high taxes to pay for war = more problems w/ more territory gained

Mughal Empire (c. 1700)

Decline & Decay Empire drained of resources 2 million+ die from famine Power shift: Local rulers gain power War of succession upon Aurangzeb’s death Mughal Emperor now rules a patchwork of independent states European traders establish posts in India Aurangzeb gives them the port of Bombay Decline & Decay