1. Mughals Rise to Power
In the 600s, nomads created small kingdoms in India
By 700s, Muslims arrived and began a period of fighting with Hindus who’d been living there for centuries
Babur, a new leader, had a powerful military and took over large sections of India
His empire was known as Mughal because his family was related to the Mongols

2. Achievements of Akbar
Akbar- Babur’s grandson, known for fairness and wisdom
Although Muslim, he allowed people to practice their own religion
Ended taxes on non-Muslim people, instead they are taxed on amount of food they grow which helped peasants
Encouraged art, literature, and architecture
Grew cultural blending including 2 new languages: Hindi and Urdu (still used today in India)

3. Failures of Akbar He took back land when officials died
Families couldn’t inherit land
Effect: People didn’t see the point in taking care of their land

4. Akbar’s Successors (next rulers)
Shah Jahan- did not have religious tolerance
“The Builder”-began huge building projects including Taj Mahal- a temple honoring his wife (after she died)
Buildings required lots of money= high taxes on people
People also suffered during a famine

5. Akbar’s Successors (continued)
Aurangzeb- Shah Jahan’s son came into power by killing older brother and put his dad in jail
Strong Muslim, punished the Hindus- later it causes a rebellion
Brought back tax on non-Muslims

6. Decline of the Mughals
Aurangzeb used up the empire’s resources and money
People were not loyal to him so he lost power and respect
He let the English build a trading post and gave them rights to Bombay port
Later this move will open the doors for the next conquerors to invade