Mughal Empire

Lore & Background

The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, a Central Asian ruler descended from Timur on his father's side and from Genghis Khan on his mother's side. Ousted from his ancestral domains in Central Asia, Babur turned to India, establishing himself in Kabul and pushing southward through the Khyber Pass. The centre of Mughal power then shifted to Agra. A year later, at the Battle of Khanwa, Babur's forces defeated the combined Rajput armies of Rana Sanga. Instability followed under his son Humayun, who was forced into exile in Persia by Sher Shah Suri. Humayun's exile established diplomatic ties with the Safavid court and increased Persian cultural influence. Akbar, Humayun's son, succeeded under a regent and extended the empire in all directions, controlling almost the entire Indian subcontinent north of the Godavari River. He created a new ruling elite, implemented modern administration, encouraged cultural developments, and increased trade with European companies. He allowed freedom of religion and attempted to resolve socio-political differences by establishing a new religion, Din-i-Ilahi. His son Jahangir, addicted to opium, neglected state affairs and came into conflict with non-Muslim religious leaders, notably executing the Sikh guru Arjan. Shah Jahan's reign ushered in the golden age of Mughal architecture, exemplified by the Taj Mahal, but court costs began to exceed revenue. Aurangzeb seized the throne from his brother Dara Shikoh, brought the empire to its greatest territorial extent, and oversaw increased Islamicisation, reinstating the jizya and executing the Sikh guru Tegh Bahadur.

Reader's Guide

The Mughal Empire's significance lies in its long-lasting impact on South Asian culture, administration, and economy. Although created and sustained by military warfare, it did not vigorously suppress the cultures it ruled; rather, it equalised and placated them through new administrative practices and diverse ruling elites, leading to more efficient, centralised, and standardised rule. The basis of the empire's collective wealth was agricultural taxes, implemented by Akbar, which amounted to well over half the output of a peasant cultivator and were paid in well-regulated silver currency, allowing peasants and artisans to enter larger markets. The relative peace maintained during much of the 17th century was a factor in India's economic expansion, with burgeoning European presence in the Indian Ocean and increasing demand for Indian raw and finished products generating much wealth for the Mughal court. Conspicuous consumption among the elite resulted in greater patronage of painting, literary forms, textiles, and architecture, especially under Shah Jahan. The empire's legacy includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Lahore Fort, Shalamar Gardens, and the Taj Mahal, described as 'the jewel of Muslim art in India, and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage'. The term Mughal remains disputed by Indologists, with some suggesting the dynasty should be called Timurid or Indo-Timurid.

Did You Know?

• Babur was descended from Timur on his father's side and from Genghis Khan on his mother's side.
• Akbar attempted to resolve socio-political differences by establishing a new religion, Din-i-Ilahi.
• Shah Jahan's reign ushered in the golden age of Mughal architecture, exemplified by the Taj Mahal, described as 'the jewel of Muslim art in India, and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage'.
• Aurangzeb brought the empire to its greatest territorial extent and reinstated the jizya.