Introduction:

The Mughals were a powerful dynasty that ruled over the Indian subcontinent for several centuries. They traced their lineage back to various Central Asian and Persian dynasties, including the Timurids and Mongols. While both lineages were prestigious, the Mughals primarily emphasized their Timurid descent rather than their Mongol ancestry. This choice can be attributed to several factors.

Cultural and Religious Affinities:

1. Shared Persianate Culture: The Timurids were heavily influenced by Persian culture, language, and literature. This cultural affinity was also evident in the Mughal court, where Persian was the official language and Persian customs and traditions were followed. The Mughals patronized Persian arts, architecture, and poetry, which further strengthened their connection to the Timurids.

2. Islamic Heritage: Both the Timurids and Mughals were staunch followers of Islam. The Timurids had a long history of supporting and spreading Islam, and this legacy was continued by the Mughals. Emphasizing their Timurid descent allowed the Mughals to align themselves with a long line of Muslim rulers and project themselves as defenders of Islam.

Political Considerations:

1. Legitimacy: The Mughals sought to establish their legitimacy as rulers of India. By associating themselves with the Timurids, who were renowned conquerors and rulers, they could claim a prestigious lineage and solidify their position as legitimate rulers.

2. Historical Precedence: The Timurid Empire, founded by Timur (Tamerlane), had a far-reaching and influential impact on the region. By aligning themselves with the Timurids, the Mughals could tap into this historical precedence and present themselves as heirs to a glorious empire.

3. Strategic Alliances: The Mughals sought to establish diplomatic and political alliances with other Muslim rulers in the region. Emphasizing their Timurid descent allowed them to forge connections with other Timurid-descended dynasties, such as the Safavids and the Ottomans.

Conclusion:

The Mughals emphasized their Timurid descent over their Mongol ancestry due to cultural affinities, religious connections, political considerations, and the desire to establish their legitimacy as rulers. By doing so, they were able to project themselves as inheritors of a prestigious lineage and forge alliances with other influential Muslim powers.

The Mughals emphasized their Timurid and not their Mongol desecent because Ghengiz Khan’s memory was associated with the massacre of innumerable people. They prided themselves on the fact that Timur had captured Delhi in 1398