Medieval Chapters

1. Early Medieval Period2. North India (Rajputana Period)3. South India (Cholas and Others)4. Sultanate Period I5. The Delhi Sultanate II6. Vijayanagar and Other Kingdoms7. Religious Movements (Medieval)8. Bhakti Movement9. Sufi Movement10. Mughal Period11. Maratha State and Maratha Confederacy12. The Advent of the Europeans

Mughal Period (1526 – 1857)

“The Mughal Period was marked by the establishment of a centralized empire in India, flourishing arts, architecture, administration, and cultural synthesis.”

Major Mughal Emperors

  • Babur (1526–1530): Founder of the Mughal Empire; won the Battle of Panipat (1526).
  • Humayun (1530–1540, 1555–1556): Lost and regained the throne; laid foundation for empire’s revival.
  • Akbar (1556–1605): Greatest Mughal ruler; known for administrative reforms and religious tolerance.
  • Jahangir (1605–1627): Patron of arts and architecture; continued Akbar’s policies.
  • Shah Jahan (1628–1658): Built Taj Mahal; known for architectural achievements.
  • Aurangzeb (1658–1707): Expanded empire to its greatest extent but imposed orthodox Islamic policies.

Administration and Governance

  • Centralized administration with emperor at the top.
  • Provinces (Subahs) governed by Subahdars.
  • Mansabdari system: military and civil ranking system for nobles and officers.
  • Efficient revenue system, introduced by Todar Mal.

Art, Culture and Architecture

  • Fusion of Persian, Indian, and Central Asian art styles.
  • Famous Mughal architecture: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri.
  • Miniature paintings flourished under Jahangir.
  • Development of Mughal gardens (Charbagh style).

Religious Policy

  • Akbar promoted religious tolerance and founded Din-i-Ilahi.
  • Jahangir maintained a liberal approach.
  • Aurangzeb adopted orthodox Sunni Islam policies, leading to discontent.

Economic Impact

  • Expansion of trade, including with Europe.
  • Growth of handicrafts and textile industries.
  • Introduction of coinage and revenue reforms.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2020: Who founded the Mughal Empire in India?
  • → Babur
  • RRB NTPC 2019: Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal?
  • → Shah Jahan
  • HSSC 2018: What was the mansabdari system?
  • → A system of military and civil ranks under the Mughals.
  • UPSC 2017: Which Mughal ruler introduced Din-i-Ilahi?
  • → Akbar
  • SSC CHSL 2016: Name the capital city built by Akbar known for its architectural grandeur.
  • → Fatehpur Sikri
Did You Know? The Taj Mahal is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

The Mughal Period was a golden age of cultural synthesis and architectural marvels, but also marked by political challenges towards its decline, shaping India’s history profoundly.

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