Mughal Empire

• Hangama Hai Kyon Barpa (Why is there such a Commotion?)

Babur

• Babur inherited kingdom in 1494. He was 11 and led them to victory.

Babur strong and sensitive leads 12,000 to defeat 100,000

“Some in the army were very anxious and full of fear. Nothing recommends anxiety and fear…why? Because what God has fixed in eternity cannot be changed. But… it was no reproach to be afraid or anxious… why?Because those thus anxious and afraid were there with a two or three months’ journey between them and their homes; our affair was with a foreign tribe and people; none knew their tongue, nor did they know ours.”

Akbar ( اکبر محمد الدین - (جاللGolden Age 1556-1605 (b.1542)

• Known as the “Great One”• Married 2 Hindu a

Christian and a Muslim• Abolished taxes against

non Muslims (jizya)• “ A monarch should ever

be intent on conquest”

Jahangir and Nur Jahan

• Jahangir weak- but wife really ruled

• Son tries to rebel and Nur Jahan expels him…he then turns to Sikhs

• Jahangir and Nur Jahan do not have religious tolerance

Shah Jahan

• Shah Jahan- Nur Jahan’s son is forced to marry Persian Princess but falls deeply in love.

• During birth of 14th child she dies

• He becomes obsessed with building the Taj Mahal in her memory

• People suffer…drought crop failure and taxes

Aurangzeb

• When father becomes ill 3rd of 4 sons acts quickly takes power by killing older brother and arresting his father

• Greatest Expansion leads to weakening of Empire

• Brings back tax on non muslim

• Sikhs form brotherhood in Punjab. Mixture of Islam, Suffism, and Buddism

Decline and Decay

• After Aurungzeb several Civil wars break out

• Keep in mind that this is what allows foreign powers to dominate them

Summary Questions

1) What religion were Mughal leaders?2) He built the Taj Mahal for his wife?3) The religion that is a mixture of Islam,

Buddhism and Sufism?4) He was a weak leader but gave power to his

wife?5) Who was known as the Great One for his

expansion of the Mughal Empire?6) His Expansion led to a decline?7) At 11 he led the rule of the Mughal