Best History Notes on Mughal Empire available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025
History- 9
Mughal Empire (1526–1857)
Theme: Medieval to Modern Indian History
The Mughal Empire was a powerful Central Asian dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries. It marked the peak of imperial administration, economic prosperity, artistic brilliance, and religious policy experimentation.
Foundation of the Mughal Empire
- Founder: Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur
- Year: 1526
- Event: First Battle of Panipat (1526)
- Fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi (last ruler of Delhi Sultanate)
- Babur used gunpowder artillery, a decisive factor in his victory
- Babur’s memoir: Tuzuk-i-Baburi
Notable Emperors and Contributions
Babur (1526–1530)
| Domain | Contribution |
| Military | Defeated Lodi (Panipat), Rana Sanga (Khanwa), Medini Rai (Chanderi) |
| Literature | Autobiography – Baburnama (Turki language) |
| Legacy | Laid foundation of Mughal rule in India |
Humayun (1530–1540; 1555–1556)
| Domain | Contribution |
| Battles | Defeated by Sher Shah Suri (Battle of Chausa and Kannauj) – lost the empire |
| Restoration | Regained throne in 1555 with Persian help |
| Culture | Introduced Persian influence in court; patron of arts |
Akbar (1556–1605)
“Architect of Mughal Empire – known for tolerance, administration, and cultural synthesis”
| Domain | Key Features |
| Expansion | Consolidated control over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bengal, Deccan |
| Religious Policy | Sulh-i-Kul (Peace to All) – religious tolerance; abolished Jizya (tax on non-Muslims) |
| Administration | Introduced Mansabdari system, Zabt system, centralized bureaucracy |
| Architecture | Built Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza, Ibadat Khana |
| Culture | Patron of Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit scholars; started Din-i-Ilahi (a syncretic faith) |
| Court | Birbal, Abul Fazl (author of Akbarnama), Faizi, Tansen |
Jahangir (1605–1627)
Patron of Art | Developed Mughal painting |
Justice | Famous for Chain of Justice |
Marriage | Married to Nur Jahan – wielded great influence |
Diplomacy | British East India Company got trading rights in 1612 (Captain Hawkins, Sir Thomas Roe)
Shah Jahan (1628–1658)
Architecture | Golden Age of Mughal architecture: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid |
Economy | Flourishing trade and urban development |
Military | Continued Deccan and Central Asian campaigns |
Crisis | Faced high expenditures, strain on treasury |
Aurangzeb (1658–1707)
“Longest-reigning and most controversial Mughal ruler”
| Domain | Key Policies |
| Religious Policy | Re-imposed Jizya, destroyed some temples, banned music at court |
| Expansion | Extended empire to Deccan (Bijapur, Golconda); costly campaigns |
| Sharia | Enforced Islamic laws (Fatawa-i-Alamgiri) |
| Revolts | Faced resistance from Marathas (Shivaji), Sikhs (Guru Gobind Singh), Jats, Rajputs |
| Result | Over-centralized rule, religious orthodoxy, and prolonged wars weakened empire |
Decline and Fall (1707–1857)
| Cause | Description |
| Succession Wars | Post-Aurangzeb, frequent conflicts between Mughal princes |
| Regional Powers | Rise of Marathas, Nizam, Awadh, Bengal, Punjab (Sikhs) |
| Weak Rulers | Later Mughals like Bahadur Shah I, Shah Alam II, and Akbar II were ineffective |
| British Rise | Mughal control reduced to Delhi & surroundings; British East India Company gained military & political dominance |
| End | Bahadur Shah Zafar (last Mughal) was deposed after 1857 Revolt and exiled to Burma |
Importance in Indian History
| Area | Contribution |
| Architecture | Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri – UNESCO Heritage Sites |
| Governance | Mansabdari, revenue systems (Zabt), strong central administration |
| Literature | Persian literature, Akbarnama, Baburnama, Shahjahan Nama |
| Art | Mughal miniature paintings, garden architecture |
| Culture | Hindu-Muslim syncretism, Indo-Persian court culture |
Model Answer (BPSC Mains)
“The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur in 1526, laid the foundation for a culturally rich and politically unified India. While Akbar’s liberal religious policy and administrative reforms stabilized the empire, Aurangzeb’s orthodox rule strained relations with regional powers and non-Muslim subjects. The decline post-Aurangzeb, compounded by British expansion, led to the symbolic end of the Mughal Empire with the Revolt of 1857.”
Keywords for Answer Writing
Panipat 1526, Akbar’s Sulh-i-Kul, Mansabdari, Din-i-Ilahi, Fatawa-i-Alamgiri, Shah Jahan architecture, Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns, Bahadur Shah Zafar