Mughal Empire

Overview Ruled most of India & Pakistan in the 16-17th centuries Consolidated Islam in South Asia Spread Muslim arts & culture Ruled large area with Hindu majority

Origins Muslims were in India long before Mughals Arrived in 8th century Conflicted with Hindus Muslim invasions in 10th & 12th centuries Invasion at end of 12th century formed the Delhi Sultanate Later Muslim invasion of 1398 devastated Delhi Grew from descendents of the Mongol Empire living in Turkestan in the 15th century Assimilated the culture of the Middle East while keeping elements of far eastern roots Retained military skill Babur, descendent of Genghis Khan & Timur the Lame moved on into India in 1504 from Afghanistan Disposed ruler & too over Sophisticated civilization based on religious toleration Mixture of Persian, Mongol, & Indian culture Hinduism tolerated & temples built

Babur’s Empire Hinduism tolerated Trade with rest of Islamic world encouraged Slavery diminished Followed by son Humayun (Bad emperor ) who rapidly lost the empire

Akbar Regarded as one of the greatest rulers of all time – regardless of country! Third Mughal Emperor Succeeded throne at age 13 & recaptured territory lost from Babur’s empire Ruled most of north, central, and western India by death in 1605 Religious tolerance in government Worked hard to win over Hindu leaders Believed in religious toleration Delegated government – provincial governors responsible to him for the quality of government in their territory Hindus in positions of responsibility Ended the jizya that was imposed on non-Muslims Non-Muslims not forced to obey Islamic laws Within his court, adopted a blended culture – it died when he did

Jangahir Akbar’s son Readopted Islam as state religion Continued policy of religious toleration Began magnificent building projects Developed Urdu as official language of the Empire

Jahan Peak of architectural achievements Commissioned Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife But, money spent on buildings & military projects emptied his treasury Forced to raise taxes Aggravated people of the empire

Aurangzeb Last great Mughal Emperor Split opinion – Hindu or Muslim Came to throne after imprisoning father & having brother killed Strong leader  greatest size of empire Ended religious tolerance Very observant Muslim No longer allowed Hindu community to live under own laws & customs Imposed sharia law Thousands of Hindu temples & shrines destroyed Tax on Hindus reimposed Invaded southern Hindu kingdoms & took many slaves Peak of military power Unstable rule Hostility from intolerance & taxation Too big to be successfully governed Empire went into decline Successors were effectively British or French puppets Last emperor deposed by the British in 1858

Upcoming: Relationship with the West Trade along Indian Ocean prominent for centuries before Europeans came Mughal-European trade began in 17th century Mughals previously more interested in communication with Safavid & Ottoman Empires Portuguese, English, & Dutch traders Akbar welcomed Portuguese Jesuits Jahangir strengthened economic activity Established coastal ports for trade Would become a way in to Indian politics / influence princes Able to permanently settle lands

Discussion How were the Mughal Empire’s policies of religious tolerance ahead of their time?