The Mughal Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in Indian history. It was founded in 1526 and ruled most of the subcontinent for over two centuries. The line of rulers from Babur to Aurangzeb is a very important exam topic.
Babur and Humayun
Babur founded the empire after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526). He wrote his memoirs, the Baburnama, in Turkish. His son Humayun lost the empire to Sher Shah Suri but later regained it in 1555.
Akbar the Great
Akbar ruled from 1556 to 1605 and is considered the greatest Mughal emperor. He won the Second Battle of Panipat (1556), expanded the empire and followed a policy of religious tolerance. He introduced Din-i-Ilahi and the Mansabdari system.
Jahangir and Shah Jahan
Jahangir was known for justice and for his wife Nur Jahan. Shah Jahan is remembered as the builder of the Taj Mahal at Agra, the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid in Delhi. His reign is called the golden age of Mughal architecture.
Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb ruled from 1658 to 1707 and expanded the empire to its greatest extent. He was a strict ruler and faced revolts from the Marathas, Sikhs and Rajputs. After his death, the empire began to decline.
Quick Revision Points
- Mughal Empire founded by Babur in 1526.
- Babur wrote the Baburnama.
- Humayun lost the empire to Sher Shah Suri.
- Akbar introduced Din-i-Ilahi and Mansabdari.
- Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal.
- Aurangzeb was the last great Mughal emperor.
- Empire declined after 1707.