The Mogul Empire 1526-1857 1200: start of muslim rule in India (captial Delhi) ** Did not force hindus to convert RULED NORTH INDIA ** hindu had to pay special tax & couldn’t hold high government office

Babur 1526-1530 He founded the empire in 1526 when he defeated a Delhi sultan His army of 12,000 defeated the sultan’s 100,000 men Moguls were descendants of the Mongols, Turks, Iranians and Afghans Claimed to be a descendant of Genghis Kahn “The Tiger” *** captured Agra & Delhi & named himself Sultan*** Defeat was easy because he was a military genius and use of CANNONS & other artillery (muskets) ** *** his forces rode horses not elephants

Babur Educated warrior Fond of poetry Created Persian gardens wherever he conquered, missed cool climate of his homeland (see painting) He wasn’t happy in “hindustan” he said it lacked any charm Military genius Poet, author - wrote his memoirs

Babur He had to fight to keep order in his society Victory at Kanwaha on March 10, 1527 Became absolute ruler of North India Spent the rest of his life trying to organize his empire & build his capital- Agra Died 12/126/1530 Empire passed to his son Hymayan

Humayan Walks the fine line between tragedy & embarassment Lost empire to rival, had to flee to Safavid empire (Persia / Iran) for help Son Akbar born during exile, left behind with mother and guardian Lost empire to rival (afghan) Sher Shah Safavids allow him to stay for 10 years - send him back with an army to defeat Afghans re-establishes power- one year later dies…

With help of Safavids, Humayan regained the empire, 1555 Humayan’s Tomb With help of Safavids, Humayan regained the empire, 1555 Shortly after, fell down stairs of his observatory, and died (1556) Major loser in history In the words of one chronicler, he “stumbled out of this life much as he had stumbled through it”. ** probably under the influence of opium of alcohol ******Greatest thing Humanyan did was a have a son

Akbar 1556-1605 He was Babur’s grandson and took the throne at 13 He spent most of his reign making and changing administrative policies Added many new territories to the empire and built the largest army in Mogul history Very modern for time period 1556-1605 (time of reign) *** cultural & economic progress * Lets them celebrate Diwaly - festival of lights for Hindu’s

Akbar He was one of the first Mogul rulers to effectively rule the diverse ethnic make-up of the empire Akbar, a Muslim, appointed Hindus to high ranking positions He encouraged intermarriage He accepted all religions and sects Himself married a hindu woman **respected eachother *** He also supported intellectual & cultural life * Accepting all religions he hoped to create loyalty & harmony amongst all religions

Jahangir Often drunken and cruel, his later years found him often incapacitated by opium and alcohol abuse Married a 34 year-old Persian widow he renamed Nur Jahan Nur Jahan “Light of the World”-----. She would become one of the strongest personalities of the Mogul period **Created political instability -- government became corrupt Painting commissioned by Akbar celebrating the birth of Jahangir

Jahangir Nur Jahan was the de facto ruler of the Mogul empire for the last half of Jahangir’s reign, due to his laziness and inebriation. She schemed to get her relatives in positions of power Replaced by his son Prince Khurram, who he renamed Shah Jahan (“Emperor of the World”)

Shah Jahan 1627-1658 Prince Khurram took the throne at 35 and changed his name to Shah Jahan He spent most of his time trying to expand south Shah Jahan (king of the world) given name because of his military victories ** 5th son of Jahangir– not eldest but favorite (all brothers died of mysterious circumstances)

Shah Jhan He was a competent commander with a strict sense of justice During his rule he built palaces, mosques and gardens The best known structure is the Taj Mahal When he became sick his sons fought for control of the empire

Shah Jahan Eventually his son Aurangzeb captured the throne and imprisoned his father at Fort Agra because he supported Dara Shukoh (an older son) Although it sounds harsh, most Mogul rulers killed their fathers upon succession Empire went into decline

TAJ MAHAL Shah Jahan built the mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra It is constructed of materials from India and all over Asia Name= Jewel of the Palace ***married 19 years & she died giving birth to 14th child*** **** Her last wish was for him to create a symbol of their love***** **** took 20,000 laborers, 22 years*** 1631-1653 ***used 1,000s of elephants to move construction material*** SYMBOLIZE: stability, power & confidence

Mughal Expansion Under Aurangzeb Aurangzeb also known as Alamgir (“World Conqueror”) Aurangzeb launched military campaigns that eventually added most of the Deccan and South India to the empire The cost of these expeditions would later weaken the empire