The Mughal Empire
Babur to Aurangzeb, Mansabdari system, Akbar's tolerance, Taj Mahal, decline.
The Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire
What you'll learn
- Mughal Empire (1526–1857) — one of the largest empires in Indian history.
- Key rulers: Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb.
- Akbar's administration — Mansabdari system, Din-i-Ilahi, religious tolerance.
- Mughal architecture: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri.
- Decline of the Mughal Empire.
Key concepts
Timeline of key rulers
| Ruler | Period | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Babur | 1526–1530 | Founded empire; defeated Ibrahim Lodi at First Battle of Panipat (1526) |
| Humayun | 1530–1556 | Lost empire to Sher Shah Suri (1540); regained it (1555) |
| Akbar | 1556–1605 | Greatest Mughal emperor — expanded, administered, tolerant |
| Jahangir | 1605–1627 | Patron of painting; Nur Jahan was powerful empress |
| Shah Jahan | 1628–1658 | Built Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid |
| Aurangzeb | 1658–1707 | Expanded to largest extent; religious intolerance led to revolts |
Akbar's administration
Mansabdari System:
- Officials called mansabdars ranked numerically (e.g., 500, 1000, 5000).
- Rank determined salary and number of soldiers to maintain.
- Prevented hereditary nobility — rank not automatically passed to sons.
Religious policy:
- Din-i-Ilahi — new spiritual path blending elements of Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism.
- Abolished jizya (tax on non-Muslims).
- Married Hindu Rajput princess (Jodha Bai); appointed Rajput generals.
- Built Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) for religious debates.
Mughal Architecture
| Monument | Builder | Location | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taj Mahal | Shah Jahan | Agra | Built for wife Mumtaz Mahal; white marble; 22 years |
| Red Fort | Shah Jahan | Delhi | Seat of Mughal power; red sandstone |
| Fatehpur Sikri | Akbar | Near Agra | New capital; abandoned due to water shortage |
| Humayun's Tomb | Humayun's wife | Delhi | First garden-tomb; inspired Taj Mahal |
Decline of Mughal Empire
- Aurangzeb's religious intolerance → revolts by Sikhs, Marathas, Rajputs.
- Empire too large to administer after Aurangzeb's death (1707).
- Nadir Shah's invasion (1739) — looted Delhi; took Peacock Throne and Kohinoor diamond.
- Rise of Marathas, Sikhs, and eventually British East India Company.
- Last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar exiled to Burma after 1857 Revolt.
Quick check
- Who founded the Mughal Empire? Which battle established Mughal power?
- What was the Mansabdari system?
- How did Akbar show religious tolerance? Name two specific actions.
- Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal and why?
- Name two reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire.
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on the Mughal Empire.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- What you'll learn
- Key concepts
- Quick check
Master this topic with Drishti OS
Get unlimited mock tests, AI-powered mentorship, and complete video courses when you join.
Start Free Practice