The Mughal Empire,

1526-1761 Members
 The Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire was an early modern empire in South Asia that, at its
height, extended from the Indus River Basin in the west to northern
Afghanistan and Kashmir in the north, reaching as far as Assam and
Bangladesh in the east and the Deccan Plateau in the south. Founded in 1526
by Babur, a Timurid Emir, it began with his victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodi at
the First Battle of Panipat. The empire's structure is often associated with
Babur's grandson, Akbar, around 1600. It lasted until 1720, shortly after
Aurangzeb's death, who expanded it to its greatest geographical extent. By
1760, Mughal authority was limited to Old Delhi, and the empire was formally
dissolved by the British Raj following the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Although the Mughal Empire was established and maintained through military warfare, it did not suppress the
cultures and peoples under its rule. Instead, it fostered stability through new administrative practices and diverse
ruling elites, resulting in a more efficient and centralized governance. The empire's wealth primarily came from
agricultural taxes introduced by Akbar, which accounted for over half of a peasant's output and were paid in a
regulated silver currency. This system encouraged peasants and artisans to participate in larger markets.

Political scientist J. C. Sharman characterizes the Mughal Empire as an Asian great power that surpassed
contemporary European states in terms of population, wealth, and military strength. The relative peace during
much of the 17th century contributed to India's economic expansion. The growing European presence in the
Indian Ocean and increased demand for Indian goods brought significant wealth to the Mughal court. This led to
greater consumption among the Mughal elite, resulting in enhanced patronage for painting, literature, textiles,
and architecture, particularly during Shah Jahan's reign. Notable Mughal UNESCO World Heritage Sites include
Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Lahore Fort, Shalamar Gardens, and the Taj Mahal, which is
celebrated as "the jewel of Muslim art in India" and a universally admired masterpiece of global heritage.
Babur and Humayun (1526–1556)
Main articles: Babur and Humayun
The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, who reigned from 1526 to 1530. He was a Central
Asian ruler descended from the Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur on his father's side and from
Genghis Khan on his mother's side. Paternally, Babur belonged to the Turkicized Barlas tribe of
Mongol origin. After being ousted from his ancestral domains in Central Asia, Babur turned his
ambitions toward India. He established himself in Kabul and then steadily pushed southward
into India through the Khyber Pass.

Babur's forces achieved a significant victory by defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of
Panipat in 1526. Before the battle, Babur sought divine favor by renouncing alcohol, breaking
wine vessels, and pouring the wine down a well. However, by this time, Lodi's empire was
already crumbling, and it was the Rajput Confederacy that emerged as the strongest power in
Northern India under the capable leadership of Rana Sanga of Mewar. Although Sanga
defeated Babur in the Battle of Bayana, Babur's forces ultimately won the decisive Battle of
Khanwa near Agra. This battle was one of the most significant and historic in Indian history, as
it sealed the fate of Northern India for the next two centuries.
After the battle, Mughal power shifted to Agra instead of Kabul. However,
the focus on wars prevented Emperor Babur from consolidating his gains.
His son, Humayun (reigned 1530–1556), faced instability and was exiled to
Persia due to rebel forces. The Sur Empire briefly interrupted Mughal rule
during this time. Humayun's exile led to diplomatic ties between the
Safavid and Mughal courts, increasing Persian cultural influence in the
later restored Mughal Empire. Humayun returned triumphantly in 1555,
restoring Mughal rule in parts of India, but he died in an accident the
following year.
Akbar to Aurangzeb (1556–1707)
Main articles: Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb

Akbar held a religious assembly of various faiths in the Ibadat

Khana at Fatehpur Sikri. Born Jalal-ud-din Muhammad in 1542 at
Umarkot Fort, he reigned from 1556 to 1605. Akbar ascended the
throne under the regency of Bairam Khan, who was instrumental
in consolidating the Mughal Empire in India. Through a mix of
warfare and diplomacy, he expanded the empire significantly,
gaining control over almost the entire Indian subcontinent north of
the Godavari River. He established a loyal ruling elite, implemented
modern administrative practices, and fostered cultural
development. Additionally, he boosted trade with European
trading companies.
Under Akbar's rule, India developed a strong and stable economy, leading to
commercial expansion. He promoted religious freedom at his court and sought
to address cultural differences by creating a new religion called Din-i-Ilahi,
which had elements of a ruler cult. Akbar left his son a stable state during its
golden age, but soon after, signs of political weakness began to emerge.

Aurangzeb is seen as India's most controversial king. While some historians

believe his religious conservatism undermined Mughal society's stability, others
highlight his contributions, such as building Hindu temples and employing more
Hindus in the bureaucracy. Despite these points, he is acknowledged for
enacting repressive policies against non-Muslims, which led to a major
rebellion by the Marathas.
Decline (1707–1857)
Main article: Decline of the Mughal Empire

After Aurangzeb's death, his son Bahadur Shah I

repealed his father's religious policies and sought
to reform the administration. However, following
Bahadur Shah I's death in 1712, the Mughal
dynasty descended into chaos, with four emperors
ascending the throne in 1719 alone, acting as
figureheads under the control of the Sayyid
Brothers. During Muhammad Shah's reign (1719–
1748), the empire began to fragment, losing
significant territory to the Marathas.
Decline (1707–1857)
Main article: Decline of the Mughal Empire

The Mughals' attempts to suppress Nizam-ul-Mulk in the Deccan led to further

Maratha invasions. Nader Shah's campaign culminated in the Sack of Delhi,
which shattered Mughal power and depleted their treasury. As a result, many
elites sought independence and established their own kingdoms while still
acknowledging the Mughal Emperor ceremonially as India's sovereign.
Regional powers within the fragmented empire also engaged in global
conflicts, resulting in defeats during the Carnatic Wars and the Bengal War.
Decline (1707–1857)
Main article: Decline of the Mughal Empire

Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor (1759–1806), made futile attempts to
reverse the decline of the Mughal Empire. After the Third Battle of Panipat in
1761, where the Afghans led by Abdali defeated the Maratha Empire, the
emperor took temporary refuge with the British. In 1771, the Marathas
recaptured Delhi from Afghan control, and in 1784 they officially became the
protectors of the emperor, a situation that lasted until the Second Anglo-
Maratha War. After that, the British East India Company became the protectors
of the Mughal dynasty in Delhi.
Decline (1707–1857)
Main article: Decline of the Mughal Empire

In 1793, the Company took control of the former Mughal province of Bengal-
Bihar after abolishing local rule (Nizamat), marking the beginning of British
colonial rule over the Indian subcontinent. By 1857, a significant portion of
former Mughal India was under East India Company's control. Following a
crushing defeat in the war of 1857–1858, which he nominally led, the last
Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was deposed by the British East India Company
and exiled in 1858 to Rangoon, Burma. His wife Zeenat Mahal and some
remaining family members accompanied him. On October 7, 1858, at 4 am,
Zafar along with his wives and two remaining sons began their journey to
Rangoon in bullock carts escorted by the 9th Lancers under Lieutenant
Ommaney.
Decline (1707–1857)
Main article: Decline of the Mughal Empire

Through the Government of India Act 1858, the British Crown assumed direct
control over territories held by the East India Company in India, leading to the
establishment of the new British Raj. In 1876, Queen Victoria took on the title
of Empress of India.