2. Mughal Empire Invasion of India India had been through a time of turmoil Hindus and Muslims fighting over territory Turkish invaders: Hindus treated like conquered peoples

3. Leadership Babur: 11 year old Tiny kingdom Effective military leadership Poet, artist Incompetent son takes over: lost most of the territory gained

4. Golden Age Akbar (1556-1605) Muslim leader Defended religious tolerance Fair taxation Importance of cultural blending

5. Military Military power root of success Heavy artillery Potential enemies as military leaders United over 100 million people

6. Social Reform Akbar pushed for social changes, going beyond mere public works projects. Improved calendar, built living quarters for large population of beggars and vagabounds. Regulated the consumption of alcohol.

7. Gender Reform Ahead of his time involving thoughts about position of women. Encouraged widow remarriage. Discouraged child marriages. Relief for women trapped in purdah (seclusion)- market days for women only.

8. Culture Many cultures welcomed Persian language Common person spoke Hindi Arts flourished Drew from western influence Literature Libraries Architecture: Akbar period

9. Decline Ended in a patchwork of independent states Trade with Europeans: India’s next conquerors Rajputs rebel! Outbreak of wars with Sikhs and Rajputs War takes money = taxes No loyalty to leader Weakened central state, power of local lords grew