The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

The first Mughal emperor (1526-1530). He hailed from Ferghana (Central Asia). He seized Kabul in 1504 and defeated Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526.

They were descendants of Genghis Khan (mother's side) and Timur (father's side). They didn't like being called 'Mughal' (Mongol) but were proud of their Timurid ancestry.

Grading system used by Mughals to fix Rank (Zat), Salary, and Military responsibilities. Mansabdar refers to an individual who holds a Mansab (position).

A numerical value that determined the rank and salary of a Mansabdar. Higher Zat meant more prestige and money.

Revenue assignment given to Mansabdars as salary. Similar to Iqta. Mansabdars did not reside in Jagirs; they only collected revenue from them.

The revenue system. Each province was divided into revenue circles with its own schedule of rates for crops.

Akbar's revenue minister who carried out a careful survey of crop yields and prices for a 10-year period (1570-1580).

The third volume of 'Akbar Nama', written by Abul Fazl. It deals with Akbar's administration, army, revenues, and geography.

Considered 'Universal Peace'. A policy of tolerance focusing on ethics (honesty, justice, peace) applicable to all, irrespective of religion. Promoted by Akbar.

Wife of Jahangir (Mehr-un-Nisa). She was very influential and struck coins in her name along with Jahangir.

By the end of the 17th century, resources were drained (Aurangzeb's Deccan wars). Nobles became powerful and independent. Peasants rebelled.

Sher Khan (Sher Shah Suri) defeated Humayun at Chausa (1539) and Kanauj (1540), forcing him to flee to Iran.

Bairam Khan. Akbar became emperor at age 13.

They refused to accept Mughal authority for a long time. Once defeated, they were treated honourably and given back their lands (Watan Jagir).

Primogeniture: Eldest son inherits everything. Coparcenary: Division of inheritance amongst all sons. Mughals followed Coparcenary (Timurid custom).

Jahangir's son. He continued Mughal campaigns. He was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in his old age.

He ruled 1658-1707. Expanded the empire but faced constant rebellions (Marathas, Sikhs, Ahoms). His policies annoyed Rajputs and Sikhs.

Intermediaries (local headmen/chieftains) who collected taxes from peasants for the Mughals.

A hall at Fatehpur Sikri where Akbar held religious discussions with Ulama, Brahmanas, Jesuits, and Zoroastrians.

A province. Governed by a Subadar.

Babur used cannons effectively in Panipat.

Gunpowder was brought to India in 14th century.

Akbar ruled 1556-1605.

Humayun recaptured Delhi in 1555.

Jahangir is Prince Salim.

Shah Jahan is Prince Khurram.

Aurangzeb insulted Shivaji.

Shivaji escaped Agra and declared himself king.

Bijapur annexed in 1685.

Golconda annexed in 1687.

Mansabdars increased greatly in Aurangzeb's time.

Jagirs became scarce aka 'Jagirdari Crisis'.

Peasants suffered the most.

Zabt system was not possible in Gujarat/Bengal.

Akbar Nama has 3 volumes.

Abul Fazl was Akbar's friend and courtier.

Abul Fazl wrote about Sulh-i-kul.

Mehr-un-Nisa married Jahangir in 1611.

Dogma is a statement declared as authoritative truth.

Bigot is someone intolerant of other religious beliefs.

Sulh-i-kul was followed by Jahangir and Shah Jahan too.

Mughal empire was very wealthy.

Travelers described it as fabled land of wealth.

Poverty existed side-by-side with opulence.

5.6% of Mansabdars received 61.5% of total revenue.

Mughal elites spent a lot on craft/goods.

Artisans benefited but were poor.

Hyderabad state founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah.

Awadh state founded by Burhan-ul-Mulk.

Bengal state founded by Murshid Quli Khan.

Nadir Shah looted Delhi in 1739.

Peacock Throne was taken by Nadir Shah.

Kohinoor diamond was taken by Nadir Shah.

Mughals used firearms.

Mughal gardens are famous (Charbagh).

Red Fort built by Shah Jahan.

Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan.

Rajputs married daughters to Mughals.

Jahangir's mother was a Kachhwaha princess.

Shah Jahan's mother was a Rathor princess.

Mughal influence seen in architecture everywhere.

Ottoman Turkey ruled by Sultan Suleyman.

Suleyman was contemporary of Akbar.

Mughal administration was highly centralized.

Bakshi was military paymaster.

Sadr was minister of religion.

Faujdar was military commander.

Kotwal was town police commander.

Akbar's capital was Fatehpur Sikri.

Battle of Panipat

Akbar's Reign

Aurangzeb's Reign

Nadir Shah invades Delhi