Mughal Empire (1526 – 1707 CE)
Delhi Police Exam History Section
Introduction
The Mughal Empire was one of the strongest empires in Indian history.
It started after Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the 1st Battle of Panipat (1526).
Important Mughal Rulers (Chronological)
| Mughal Ruler | Notes |
|---|---|
| Babur (1526-1530) | Founder of Mughal Empire. Won 1st Battle of Panipat (1526), Khanwa (1527), Chanderi (1528). Wrote Tuzuk-i-Baburi in Turkish. |
| Humayun (1530-1540, 1555-56) | Lost empire to Sher Shah Suri, regained again but died soon after. |
| Akbar (1556-1605) | Greatest Mughal ruler. Din-i-Ilahi, Mansabdari system, abolished Jizya first. |
| Jahangir (1605-1627) | Known for administration + Justice. Married Nur Jahan. British got permission to trade from Surat (1612). |
| Shah Jahan (1628-1658) | Golden Age of Mughal Architecture. Built Taj Mahal, Red Fort Delhi, Moti Masjid. |
| Aurangzeb (1658-1707) | Orthodox ruler. Re-imposed Jizya tax. Empire reached maximum territorial expansion under him, but decline started in his time. |
Key Administrative Features
Centralized administration
Mansabdari System under Akbar
Provincial divisions → Subas
Persian became official court language
Major Architectural Contributions
Babur: Charbagh style foundations
Akbar: Fatehpur Sikri
Jahangir: Painting flourished
Shah Jahan: Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid, Red Fort Delhi
Aurangzeb: Badshahi mosque in Lahore, but lesser focus on architecture
Important Battles to Remember
| Battle | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Panipat | 1526 | Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi |
| Khanwa | 1527 | Babur defeated Rana Sanga |
| Chausa & Kannauj | 1539-40 | Humayun defeated by Sher Shah Suri |
| Haldighati | 1576 | Akbar vs Maharana Pratap |
Economy & Society
Agriculture based
Land Revenue mainly regulated by Todar Mal under Akbar (Zabti system)
Trade expanded via Europeans in later phase
Composite Indo-Islamic Culture grew
QUICK RECAP (in 6 short points)
1526 Babur founded Mughals
Akbar: greatest ruler + Mansabdari + Din-i-Ilahi
Jahangir allowed English trade entry to India
Shah Jahan = Taj Mahal builder
Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya + Empire largest but declined
Mughals shaped Indian culture / architecture massively
Sample Questions (MCQ Practice)
Who built the Taj Mahal?
Options: (a) Akbar (b) Shah Jahan (c) Aurangzeb (d) Jahangir
View Answer
B. Shah Jahan
Which Mughal ruler granted permission to English to trade in India first?
Options: (a) Babur (b) Humayun (c) Jahangir (d) Aurangzeb
View Answer
C. Jahangir
Din-i-Ilahi was introduced by:
Options: (a) Babur (b) Akbar (c) Jahangir (d) Shah Jahan
View Answer
B. Akbar
Previous Year Type Questions (Pattern Based)
Who introduced Mansabdari system?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system
Name the Mughal ruler who re-imposed Jizya tax.
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Aurangzeb re-imposed the Jizya tax
Which battle marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
First Battle of Panipat (1526) marked the beginning of Mughal rule
You've completed Mughal Empire Concepts!
Courage Tip: Remember the chronological order of the six major Mughal rulers and their key contributions. Focus on Akbar's administrative reforms (Mansabdari, Din-i-Ilahi), Shah Jahan's architectural marvels, and Aurangzeb's policies that led to decline. The Mughal period is crucial for understanding medieval Indian administration, culture, and architecture. Memorize important battles and their outcomes for exam success.
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