MUGHAL EMPIRE FOR UPSC STUDY NOTES-I

 MUGHAL EMPIRE STUDY NOTES

The Mughal Empire was one of the most influential and powerful empires in South Asia, spanning from the early 16th to the mid-18th century. It was founded by Babur in 1526 and reached its peak during the reign of Akbar the Great. The Mughal Empire left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent in various fields, including art, literature, architecture, and governance.

Mughal empire in india upsc

  1. Art and Literature: The Mughal Empire witnessed a flourishing of art and literature, which was a blend of indigenous Indian traditions and Persian influences. The Mughal emperors and nobility were great patrons of art and encouraged the production of paintings, textiles, jewellery, and other forms of artistic expression.

a. Mughal Paintings: Mughal paintings were characterized by their delicate and intricate designs, vivid colours, and attention to detail. The painters often depicted scenes from the royal court, battle scenes, portraits of emperors and nobles, as well as mythological and historical events. Notable Mughal painters include Ustad Mansur, Abul Hasan, and Basawan.

b. Literature: The Mughal period witnessed significant developments in literature, especially in Persian and Urdu languages. Persian was the official language of the court, and many Mughal emperors were skilled poets and writers. Akbar himself was known for his interest in literature and invited scholars from different parts of the world to his court. Persian poetry, historical chronicles, and biographies flourished during this time.

c. Urdu Language: The Mughal era played a crucial role in the development of the Urdu language, which emerged as a blend of Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and local languages. Urdu poetry and literature became popular during the later Mughal period, and it continues to be a prominent language in modern-day India and Pakistan.

  1. Architecture: Mughal architecture is one of the most remarkable legacies of the empire, characterized by its grandeur, elegance, and intricate designs. The Mughal emperors built numerous forts, palaces, mosques, tombs, and gardens, leaving behind iconic monuments that continue to be major tourist attractions in India.

a. Taj Mahal: Perhaps the most famous example of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal in Agra, was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This white marble mausoleum is renowned for its symmetrical design, exquisite carvings, and intricate inlay work using precious stones.

b. Red Fort: The Red Fort in Delhi was the primary residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. It is a massive red sandstone fortress with impressive palaces, audience halls, and beautiful gardens.

c. Humayun's Tomb: This tomb, located in Delhi, is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal and was built for Emperor Humayun. It exhibits a blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles.

d. Jama Masjid: Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in Delhi, the Jama Masjid is one of the largest and most splendid mosques in India. It showcases intricate marble carvings and can accommodate thousands of worshippers.

  1. Governance: The Mughal Empire had a centralized form of government with the emperor at the pinnacle of power. The emperor was considered the ultimate authority and had absolute control over the administration, judiciary, military, and economy. However, the empire was vast, and to govern efficiently, it was divided into provinces, known as Subahs, each governed by a Subahdar (governor) appointed by the emperor.

a. Mansabdari System: The Mansabdari system was a unique feature of Mughal governance. It was a ranking system for the nobility, where officials were assigned military ranks, known as "man says," based on their administrative and military capabilities. The system allowed for flexibility and mobility within the imperial administration.

b. Land Revenue System: The Mughals implemented an efficient revenue system based on the division of agricultural land into categories. They collected a share of the agricultural produce as revenue, which provided a stable income for the empire.

c. Religious Policy: The Mughal emperors practised a policy of religious tolerance, and despite being Muslim rulers, they allowed freedom of worship for other religions. Akbar, in particular, pursued a policy of "Sulh-e-Kul," promoting harmony among different religious communities.

d. Court Culture: The Mughal court was known for its opulence and grandeur. The emperor held regular darbars (audiences) where nobles and courtiers gathered to discuss state affairs and present their petitions. The court also saw the patronage of scholars, poets, and artists.

Despite its glorious achievements, the Mughal Empire faced challenges such as internal strife, rebellions, and external invasions. By the mid-18th century, the empire weakened significantly, leading to its eventual decline and the emergence of regional powers that played pivotal roles in shaping the future of the Indian subcontinent. Nevertheless, the cultural and architectural contributions of the Mughals remain an enduring and cherished part of India's heritage.

  F.A.Q :-

1. Question: Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India?
Answer: The Mughal Empire in India was founded by Babur.

2. Question: Which Mughal ruler built the iconic Taj Mahal?
Answer: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan.

3. Question: What major religion did the Mughal Empire follow?
Answer: The Mughal Empire predominantly followed the Islamic religion.

4. Question: Which Mughal emperor imposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims?
Answer: Emperor Aurangzeb imposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims.

5. Question: What led to the decline of the Mughal Empire?
Answer: The decline of the Mughal Empire was primarily caused by weak successors, regional conflicts, and the rise of regional powers.

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