1. 18.3 – The Mughal Empire

2. 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

3. Akbar Known as the “Great” – 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Mughal Empire (c. 1700)

12. 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