Shazreh Adnan

September 29, 2014

History of the Subcontinent
The Rise and fall of Mughal Empire (1526-1707)

1. The Origins of Mughal Empire:
The Mughal Empire was a Persian Empire that extended over to large parts of the
Indian subcontinent and was ruled by a dynasty of Chagatai-Turkic origin.
The beginning of the empire is dated to the founder Babur's victory over Ibrahim
Lodi in the first Battle of Panipat in 1526.
The Mughal Empire reached its peak extent under Aurangzeb, and declined
rapidly after his death in 1707.
2. The Foundation of Mughal Empire:
Babur, a conqueror of central Asia, after a series of setbacks finally founded the
Mughal Empire in the Indian Subcontinent.
He was a direct descendant of Timur through his father, and also a descendant of
Genghis Khan through his mother.
He was the first Mughal Emperor, and he attained his first power position at the
age of 41 on 30 April 1526 after winning the battle of Panipat.
3. India under Mughal Emperors:
The Mughal dynasty is known for its more than two centuries of successful rule
over large parts of India and for the ability of its rulers.
Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor, extended the empire in all directions and ruled
almost the entire Indian subcontinent north of the Godvari River.
He created a new class of nobility loyal to him from the military aristocracy,
created a modern government, and encouraged cultural developments.
He also encouraged trade with European trading companies.
In result, India established strong and stable economies, which lead to profitable
expansion and economic development.
However, India along with the Mughal Empire had many good experiences and
bad experiences after Akbars death in 1605.
4. Babur (1526-1530):
Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, also known as Babur (a nickname given to him
because of his attitude shown in battles), was the first Mughal Emperor. He was
born on 14 February 1483 and died on 26 December 1530.
He was a direct descendant of Timur through his father, and also a descendant of
Genghis Khan through his mother.
He attained his first power position at the age of 41 on 30 April 1526.
Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi 1526 near the small village of Panipat, India on the
21rst of April in 1526.
Shazreh Adnan
September 29, 2014
History of the Subcontinent
The Rise and fall of Mughal Empire (1526-1707)

Babur is said to have been born extremely strong and physically fit. Legend says
that he was so strong that he could carry two men, one on each of his shoulder,
and exercise at the same time, and that Babur swan across every major river he
came across.
The first Mughal emperor, Babur, enjoyed horseback riding, archery, swimming
and literature.
5. Humayun (1530-1556)
Nasir ud-din Muhammad Humayun, commonly known as Humayun, was born on
7 March 1508 AD and died on 17 January 1556 AD at the age of 48.
He was the second Mughal Emperor who ruled over territory in what is now
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of northern India from 15311540 and again
from 15551556.
Humayun succeeded his father in 1531, as ruler of the Mughal territories in India
at the age of 23.
He did not have any experience.
Like his father, Babur, he lost his kingdom early.
At the time of his death in 1556, the Mughal Empire spanned almost one million
square kilometers.
6. Akbar (1556-1605)
Akbar, also known as Akbar the Great or Akbar I, was born on the 14 October in
1542 and died on the 27 October in 1605 at the age of 63.
He was the emperor from 1556 until his death.
He was the third and one of the greatest rulers of the Mughal Dynasty in India.
Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun, after his death.
He was very successful overall, and had a very strong personality.
Akbar gradually enlarged the Mughal Empire to include nearly all of the Indian
Subcontinent north of the Godavari River.
His power and influence extended over the entire country as well.
He reformed and strengthened his central administration and also centralized his
financial system and reorganized tax collection processes.
He had an appreciation for arts, and tolerated other religions.
7. The Great Jehangir (1605-1627)
Nur-ud-din Mohammad Salim, commonly known as Jehangir, was the fourth
Mughal Emperor who ruled from 1605 until his death in 1627 at the age of 58.
Jahangir was the eldest surviving son of Mughal Emperor Akbar and was declared
successor to his father from an early age.
Shazreh Adnan
September 29, 2014
History of the Subcontinent
The Rise and fall of Mughal Empire (1526-1707)

Jahangir built on his father's foundations of excellent administration, and his reign
was characterized by political stability, a strong economy and impressive cultural
achievements.
Jahangir was fascinated with art, science and, architecture.
He was much criticized for his addiction to alcohol, opium, and women
8. Shah Jehan (1627-1658)
Also known as Shahabuddin Muhammad Shah Jahan, was born on the 5 of
January in 1592 and died on the 22 of January in 1666 at the age of 74.
He was Jahanagirs son, and also the fifth Mughal emperor of India.
He was chosen to take over after the death of his father.
He was a pious Muslim.
During Shah Jahans reign, the glory and luxury of the Mughal Empire reached its
height as many monuments like the Taj Mahal were built.
Shah Jahns reign was also known for successes against the Deccan states.
His younger son, Aurangzeb, eventually overthrew him.
9. Aurangzeb (1658-1707) <The Paragon of Stability> The Master Builder
Abul Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Mohammad bin Aurangzeb, also commonly known
as Alamgir, was the sixth Mughal Emperor, and he ruled over most of the Indian
Subcontinent for 49 years from 1658 until his death in 1707.
Aurangzeb was a strong and effective ruler.
He was also very conservative and religious.
He focused on affairs happening within India only.
During his reign, the Mughal Empire reached its greatest extent and expanded
more than 3.2 million square kilometers.
After his death, the great period of the Mughal Empire came to an end aftrt
declining rapidly.
10. The Crisis of Mughal Empire
During the reign of Muhammad Shah, the empire began to break up, and the
Maratha Empire took over.
Many of the empires elites wanted to control their own affairs.
As a result they broke away to form their own independent kingdoms.
However, Muhammad Shah still remained as the highest power of India. Many
attempts were made to reverse the Mughal decline.
Eventually, they had to get help from other countries.
11. Mughal Commercial System
Shazreh Adnan
September 29, 2014
History of the Subcontinent
The Rise and fall of Mughal Empire (1526-1707)

After Akbar extended the empire and was in control of almost the entire Indian
subcontinent north of the Godavari River, he created a new class of nobility loyal
to him from the military aristocracy of India's social groups, reorganized the
government system, and supported cultural developments.
He also increased trade with European trading companies which helped India
develop a stable economy and expand commercially.
12. Mughal Art and Architecture
Art and architecture under the Mughal Empire was a combination of Islamic and
Persian architecture.
There were many new ideas introduced by the Mughals in the subcontinent at that
time.
Some of them being: the use of white marble, red sandstone, and gemstones along
with the use of arches and domes.
Shapes were also used to design monuments. Approximately 400 of the
monuments that were built at the time still exist even after 132 years.