Mughal Empire
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| Mughal Empire | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Agra, later Delhi |
| Official Languages | Persian (court), Urdu, Hindi, Arabic |
| Government Type | Absolute monarchy |
| Currency | Mughal rupee |
The Mughal Empire (Template:Lang-ur, Mughliyah Sultanate) was a prominent empire in the Indian subcontinent that ruled from 1526 to 1857. It was established by Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, and reached its zenith under rulers like Akbar the Great, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Known for its cultural and architectural achievements, the Mughal Empire left an enduring legacy in South Asia.[1]
History
Foundation
The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, who defeated the Delhi Sultanate's Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Babur established his rule in northern India and laid the foundation for a centralized empire.[2]
Expansion
Under Akbar the Great (1556–1605), the empire expanded significantly, encompassing most of the Indian subcontinent. Akbar introduced administrative reforms, a centralized revenue system, and policies promoting religious tolerance.[3]
His successors, including Jahangir and Shah Jahan, continued to consolidate the empire. Shah Jahan is particularly remembered for constructing the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.[4]
Decline
The empire began to decline during the reign of Aurangzeb (1658–1707), whose expansionist policies and religious intolerance alienated many subjects. The Maratha Empire and other regional powers challenged Mughal dominance.[5]
The empire effectively collapsed after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when the British deposed the last emperor, Bahadur Shah II, and absorbed the remaining territories into the British Raj.[6]
Administration
The Mughal administration was highly centralized, with the emperor at its head. It was divided into provinces (subahs), each governed by a subahdar. The empire used the Mansabdari system to organize its military and bureaucracy.[1]
Culture and Legacy
The Mughal Empire is renowned for its cultural achievements, including: The fusion of Persian, Indian, and Islamic art and architecture, exemplified by the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. Advancements in literature, music, and painting, particularly under Akbar and Jahangir.[7]
The Mughal era also influenced Indian cuisine, fashion, and language, with Urdu emerging as a prominent lingua franca.[8]
Economy
The Mughal Empire had one of the world's largest economies during its peak, driven by agriculture, trade, and a thriving textile industry. Major trade routes connected India to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.[9]
Decline and Legacy
The decline of the Mughal Empire marked the transition of power in the Indian subcontinent, ultimately leading to British colonial rule. Despite its fall, the Mughal legacy endures in South Asia through its art, architecture, and cultural practices.[10]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Encyclopaedia Britannica: Mughal Dynasty
- ↑ History.com: Mughal Empire
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Britannica: Akbar
- ↑ UNESCO World Heritage: Taj Mahal
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Britannica: Decline of the Mughals
- ↑ Bahadur Shah II and the End of the Mughal Empire
- ↑ Art and Culture of the Mughal Empire
- ↑ History of Urdu Language
- ↑ History of the Mughal Economy
- ↑ Al Jazeera: Mughal Legacy
External Links
Encyclopaedia Britannica: Mughal Empire UNESCO World Heritage: Taj Mahal [https://www.history