Introduction

The Mughal Empire was one of the most significant and powerful empires in Indian history. Founded by Babur in 1526, it reached its zenith under Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. It played a crucial role in shaping the political, cultural, architectural, and economic fabric of medieval India.

Founding and Expansion

• Babur (1526–1530): Defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat (1526). Also won the Battle of Khanwa (1527) and Ghaghra (1529).
• Humayun (1530–1556): Faced Sher Shah Suri and lost the empire temporarily. Regained it with Persian help in 1555 but died soon after.
• Akbar (1556–1605): Consolidated the empire through diplomacy and military campaigns. Promoted a syncretic religious culture and administrative efficiency.
• Jahangir (1605–1627): Continued Akbar’s policies. Patron of art and architecture.
• Shah Jahan (1628–1658): Known for architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal. His reign is considered the cultural zenith of the Mughal Empire.
• Aurangzeb (1658–1707): Expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent but followed a rigid Islamic orthodoxy. His policies sowed seeds of decline.

Mughal empire infographics

Administration under the Mughals

Mansabdari System

Introduced by Akbar, this system ranked nobles (mansabdars) based on military and civil service. It determined their salary and number of troops they had to maintain.

UPSC History optional

 Best history optional teacher for UPSC

Is history a good optional for upsc exam

Revenue System

• Raja Todar Mal’s Bandobast: Land revenue assessed based on area and productivity. Revenue collection was rationalized.
• Zabti, Nasaq, and Ghalla Bakshi methods were used in different regions.

Military System

The Mughal army included cavalry, infantry, artillery, and elephants. Mansabdars had to provide troops to the imperial army.

Judicial System

• Qazis and Muftis administered justice based on Islamic law.
• Akbar emphasized justice and fairness; Aurangzeb reinforced Sharia-based decisions.

Religious Policies

Akbar’s Policy of Sulh-i-Kul

• Promoted religious tolerance among Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, and others.
• Abolished Jizya and Pilgrimage Tax.
• Established Ibadat Khana for religious discussions.
• Founded Din-i-Ilahi (1582) – a syncretic faith which didn’t gain mass support.

Aurangzeb’s Orthodox Policies

• Re-imposed Jizya tax on non-Muslims.
• Destroyed some temples and banned music in the court.
• His rigid religious policies alienated Rajputs and Deccan states, leading to revolts.

Art, Architecture, and Culture

Mughal Architecture

• Humayun’s Tomb – Early Indo-Persian style
• Akbar’s Fatehpur Sikri – Fusion of Persian, Indian, and Central Asian elements
• Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal – Pinnacle of Mughal architecture
• Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Shalimar Gardens as examples of grandeur

Literature

• Persian became the court language
• Baburnama (Turki), Akbarnama by Abul Fazl, Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri by Jahangir
• Hindi poetry by Tulsidas; Urdu poetry emerged during later Mughal period

Painting and Music

• Miniature paintings reached new heights under Akbar and Jahangir
• Patronage of classical music and musicians like Tansen

Economic Aspects

• Extensive agrarian economy with cash crops like cotton and indigo
• Internal trade flourished through roads and caravanserais
• Land revenue was the chief source of income for the state
• Coins like dam, rupee, and tanka circulated widely

Decline of the Mughal Empire

• Successors of Aurangzeb were weak and inefficient
• Growing autonomy of regional powers like Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs
• European interference – especially British East India Company
• Military stagnation and economic drain due to continuous warfare
• Corruption and Jagirdari crisis weakened the central authority
• 
  

  Best history optional coaching in delhi

  best history optional test series

Previous Year UPSC Questions (PYQs)

• 2022: Evaluate the role of Akbar in establishing a secular state in medieval India.
• 2019: Discuss the mansabdari and jagirdari systems and their influence on Mughal polity.
• 2016: Examine the reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb.
• 2015: Write a critical note on the Mughal system of administration.

Probable Questions for UPSC Mains 2025

• Discuss the evolution of religious policies from Akbar to Aurangzeb.
• Examine the cultural and architectural contributions of Shah Jahan.
• To what extent did the Mughal economy lay the foundation for colonial exploitation?
• Was the decline of the Mughal Empire inevitable after Aurangzeb? Discuss.

Visual Aids

• 📊 Download Infographic
• 🧠 Download Mind Map

Conclusion

The Mughal Empire was a period of remarkable political unification, administrative innovations, and cultural advancements. Its legacy continues to influence Indian society, architecture, literature, and statecraft. Understanding the Mughal period is essential for grasping the trajectory of Indian history during the early modern period and preparing effectively for the UPSC examination.