The Mughal dynasty ruled India for 200 years beginning with Babur's invasion in the 16th century. Key Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan expanded the empire through military conquests and alliances while also patronizing the arts and architecture. However, internal strife and Aurangzeb's orthodox policies weakened the empire, contributing to its eventual decline and British colonization.
The Mughal dynasty ruled India for 200 years beginning with Babur's invasion in the 16th century. Key Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan expanded the empire through military conquests and alliances while also patronizing the arts and architecture. However, internal strife and Aurangzeb's orthodox policies weakened the empire, contributing to its eventual decline and British colonization.
The Mughal dynasty ruled India for 200 years beginning with Babur's invasion in the 16th century. Key Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan expanded the empire through military conquests and alliances while also patronizing the arts and architecture. However, internal strife and Aurangzeb's orthodox policies weakened the empire, contributing to its eventual decline and British colonization.
The Mughal dynasty ruled India for 200 years beginning with Babur's invasion in the 16th century. Key Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan expanded the empire through military conquests and alliances while also patronizing the arts and architecture. However, internal strife and Aurangzeb's orthodox policies weakened the empire, contributing to its eventual decline and British colonization.
Abstract The Mughal dynasty’s reign over India for 200 years left an indelible mark on history, beginning with Babar’s invasion in the 16th century and culminating with Aurangzeb’s rule. Babar’s military prowess and cultural contributions laid the foundation for a lavish court system and architectural marvels. Successors like Humayun faced challenges, while Akbar’s reign saw military conquests and alliances with Rajput princesses. Jahangir and Shah Jahan furthered the empire’s cultural and architectural achievements, with the latter immortalizing his love for Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal. However, familial strife and Aurangzeb’s orthodox policies eventually led to the decline of the Mughal Empire, paving the way for British colonization.
The Mughal Empire
Mughal dynasty ruled over India for 200 years and with its rule astonished the whole world. It all began with the invasion of great conquerors, such as Alexander the Great, Genghiz Khan and Tamburline, into this region through mountainous region where Khyber Pass, a gateway from Afghanistan to riches of India, is located. Armies of conqueror contributed their bit to the racial mix in this region. In 16th century Babar who was a buccaneer with Royal blood and successor of Genghiz Khan and Tamburline invaded India and laid foundation of Great Mughal Empire. This kingdom astounded Europeans with its lavish court system, exquisite paintings and buildings. Babar’s father had small kingdom who died when Babar was 11. Babar won great loyalty and his followers increased in number making him conquer Qabul at age of 21 in 1504. Babar was a keen poet and gardener. He did not indulge in Persian pleasure which later on was brought into India by his family. Regime based on military power needs continuous conquest to gain territory and wealth to maintain control and so, was demonstrated in whole Mughal era. Invention of Muskets made real increment in strength of Babar. He with his elephants and musketeers victoriously moved through Delhi to Agra and from there won Koh-e-Noor. Babar was inspired by great labor force, profusion and colors of India. In 1528, he moved to Gwalior where he was impressed by palace embellished with tiles and stonework. India lacked cool streams so, he improved the water flow wherever he moved. Babar tried to unite Hindus and Muslims with his Din-e-Elahi. He wrote a diary with all information of his reign. He died at 47 and succeeded by Humayun who was charming, sentimental and superstitious person. He lost control over India in 10 years and had to take refuge in desert. In 1556, he died slipping from stairs which lead to political crisis as his son Akbar was only 13 years old soldier far from home. Akbar was set on throne with great challenges from rivalries. He reconquered Delhi and expressed his victory by making monument of heads. He made his way through Rajasthan by marrying princesses from Rajput and making alliance with them. From Rajput, Mughals got officers and in turn gave peace. Akbar faced resistance by Ranas who did not made alliance with Mughals. Akbar’s reign was recorded by writer Abdul Fazal who was murdered for political reasons by Jahangir, Akbar’s son, who succeeded the throne. At this stage Mughal empire went through great bloodshed for succession. Jahangir was a keen observer specifically of rituals and uncovered myth of bottomless Pushkar Lake. He was first one to inherit stable empire. He flourished art to another level, formed imperial studio. He wrote his diary which outlined all his habits including his addiction of alcohol. In his reign, in 1615 British ambassador came who tried to have trade agreement with emperor but could not succeed because of Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir who ruled from Harem. Many remarkable monuments were built in this time. Jahangir was succeeded by Shah Jahan after great family violence. Shah Jahan had a love marriage with Mumtaz Mahal, niece of Noor Jahan. Shah Jahan after great adversaries finally had a family reunion at red fort after which, 3 years later, Mumtaz died giving birth to 14th child. Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal, to honor his dead wife, which is combination of Persian and Indian-Muslim architecture. Shah Jahan handed throne to Dara Shikoh which was envied by younger brothers Aurangzeb and Murad Bakhsh. Aurangzeb took over red fort and captured Shah Jahan. Aurangzeb with conspiracy caused death of Murad Bakhsh and Dara Shikoh and Shah Jahan died naturally in imprisonment. Aurangzeb was last great Mughal emperor. He tried to covert India into Orthodox Islamic society. He revived jizya tax over Hindus. He compiled Fatawa Alamgiri. Aurangzeb was betrayed by his son Akbar but he smartly overturned the rebel. Aurangzeb spent his last days like saint, died at 89 and was buried in a simple tomb in accordance with holy injunctions near Aurangabad. Due to religious incentives of Aurangzeb, a discord between Hindus and Muslims ultimately gave chance to British to slowly take over the land. Glory of Mughal Empire died with Aurangzeb but empire in its name continued till 1857 when British took over directly.
