The first Mughal emperor was Babur (the original of the elephant Babar in the stories!), who was one of Timur's great-great-great-grandsons. Like Timur, Babur was a Muslim. Babur ruled Kabul (in modern Afghanistan), and in 1504 he decided to reconquer Tamerlane's old land in northern India.

The Mughals: NCERT Solution: Chapter 4 - The Mughal Empire, SST, Class 7

Introduction:
The Mughals were a significant dynasty that ruled over the Indian subcontinent for about three centuries, from 1526 to 1857. They established a powerful empire and left a lasting impact on Indian history and culture. The Mughal Empire was known for its rich administration, architectural marvels, and patronage of arts and literature.

Key Mughal Rulers:
1. Babur (1526-1530): Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat and established the Mughal rule in Delhi.

2. Humayun (1530-1556): Humayun was Babur's son and the second ruler of the Mughal Empire. He faced several challenges during his reign, including the loss of his empire to Sher Shah Suri. However, he later regained power and laid the groundwork for the Mughal administration.

3. Akbar (1556-1605): Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal emperors, expanded the empire to its peak. He introduced various administrative reforms, including the Mansabdari system, which classified officials based on their ranks and salaries. Akbar also pursued a policy of religious tolerance and promoted a syncretic culture.

4. Jahangir (1605-1627): Jahangir, Akbar's son, continued the policies of religious tolerance and cultural patronage. He strengthened alliances with Rajput kingdoms and encouraged art, especially painting.

5. Shah Jahan (1628-1658): Shah Jahan is known for his architectural legacy, including the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. He also built the Red Fort in Delhi and promoted the arts and craftsmanship.

6. Aurangzeb (1658-1707): Aurangzeb, the last powerful Mughal emperor, expanded the empire further but faced challenges due to his strict policies and religious intolerance. His reign marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Contributions of the Mughals:
1. Administration: The Mughals established a centralized administrative system, with effective revenue collection and governance. They introduced various reforms, such as the use of Persian as the court language and the establishment of a postal system.

2. Architecture: The Mughals were renowned for their architectural marvels, including the Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, and Red Fort. These structures showcased a blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles.

3. Art and Literature: The Mughal courts were centers of art, literature, and poetry. They patronized renowned artists, such as Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan and Tansen, and encouraged the development of miniature paintings and Indo-Islamic music.

4. Trade and Economy: The M

The Mughal Empire. The Mughal (or Mogul) Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan in the 16th and 17th centuries. It consolidated Islam in South Asia, and spread Muslim (and particularly Persian) arts and culture as well as the faith. The Mughals were Muslims who ruled a country with a large Hindu majority.