Mughal Architecture and Painting : Simplified

Mughal Administration

The Geopolitics of the Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire, founded in 1526 by Babur, a chieftain from present-day Uzbekistan, marked a significant era in South Asia. Babur, with aid from the <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/Safavid-Persia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Safavid</a> and <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-the-Ottoman-Empire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ottoman Empires</a>, defeated the <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/Delhi-Sultanate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sultan of Delhi</a>, Ibrahim Lodi, at the First Battle of Panipat, establishing his rule in North <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-India" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">India</a>. The empire's formal imperial structure is often dated from 1600 under Akbar, Babur's grandson, and lasted until about 1720, after the death of Aurangzeb, the last major emperor. Aurangzeb's reign saw the empire reach its greatest territorial extent. By 1760, the empire's control had significantly diminished to the region around Old Delhi, and it was formally dissolved by the <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-England" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British</a> following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The Mughal Empire, known for its military origins, was also notable for its inclusive approach towards the diverse cultures and peoples it governed. It introduced new administrative practices that helped standardize and centralize governance, making it more efficient. The empire's economy was largely based on agricultural taxes, established by Akbar, which were a major source of revenue and helped integrate peasants and artisans into larger markets. Throughout the 17th century, the Mughal Empire maintained relative peace, contributing to economic prosperity and making it a period of cultural renaissance. This era saw significant European interest in Indian products, enhancing the empire's wealth. The Mughals were great patrons of art and architecture, fostering the development of unique styles in painting, literature, textiles, and architecture.

Visual Timelines

Mughal Empire Timeline

Mughal Empire Timeline

Foundation and Early Expansion

Prologue

Babur

First Battle of Panipat

Battle of Khanwa

Humayun

Golden Age

Akbar

Second Battle of Panipat

Mughal Expansion into Central India

Conquest of Rajputana

Akbar's conquest of Gujarat

Mughal Conquest of Bengal

Jahangir

Mughal Art peaks

Shah Jahan

Deccan famine of 1630–1632

Shah Jahan builds Taj Mahal

Aurangzeb

Anglo-Mughal War

Gradual Decline and Fall

Muhammad Azam Shah

Bahadur Shah I

Jahandar Shah

Farrukhsiyar

Independent Nawab of Bengal

Rafi ud-Darajat

Shah Jahan II

Muhammad Shah

Ahmad Shah Bahadur

Alamgir II

Shah Jahan III

Shah Alam II

Shah Jahan IV

Akbar II

Bahadur Shah Zafar

Epilogue

Shop Now

Support HM Project

History of Ireland

Migration of Early Modern Humans

Geopolitical Theories

Life in a Medieval Village

Logistics during the American Civil War

Art of War of the Byzantine Empire

Naval Warfare during the American Revolution

Feedback