Cheat Sheet: The Mughal Empire | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Ans. The Mughal Empire was a powerful empire that ruled over a large part of the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th century to the mid-19th century. It was founded by Babur and reached its peak under the reign of Emperor Akbar. The Mughal Empire played a crucial role in shaping the cultural, architectural, and political landscape of India. It left a lasting impact on Indian society and its legacy can still be seen today.

Ans. The major rulers of the Mughal Empire were Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire and his reign marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India. He established a strong foundation for the empire and laid the groundwork for future Mughal rulers. Humayun, though he faced challenges and lost the empire to Sher Shah Suri, managed to regain it and expanded its territories. He also played a significant role in promoting art and culture during his reign. Akbar is considered one of the greatest Mughal emperors. He expanded the empire to its greatest extent and introduced many administrative reforms. He was known for his policy of religious tolerance and his efforts to promote harmony among different religious communities. Jahangir continued the policies of his father Akbar and focused on promoting art and culture. He also had a keen interest in painting and his court was known for its patronage of artists. Shah Jahan is known for his architectural achievements, most notably the construction of the Taj Mahal. He also maintained a strong centralized administration and expanded the empire's territories. Aurangzeb, though he expanded the empire further, is often criticized for his religious policies and his strict adherence to orthodox Sunni Islam. His reign marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Ans. Babur fought several wars during his reign, including the Battle of Panipat in 1526, where he defeated the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodi, and established his rule in North India. He also faced challenges from the Rajput confederacy led by Rana Sanga of Mewar. The Battle of Khanwa in 1527 was a crucial victory for Babur, as it further solidified his control over North India. Babur's wars were instrumental in establishing the Mughal Empire and laying the foundation for future Mughal rulers.

Ans. Sher Shah Suri, also known as Sher Khan, was a powerful ruler who briefly overthrew the Mughal Empire and established the Sur Empire in North India. He is known for his administrative and infrastructural reforms, including the introduction of the Grand Trunk Road and the improvement of the administrative system. Sher Shah Suri's reign had a significant impact on the Mughal Empire as it forced Humayun to flee and later influenced the administrative policies of Akbar.

Ans. Emperor Akbar's reign was marked by numerous accomplishments that had a profound impact on the Mughal Empire. He expanded the empire to its greatest extent, incorporating several regions of North India. Akbar introduced several administrative reforms, including the establishment of a centralized bureaucracy and a system of revenue administration. He also pursued a policy of religious tolerance, promoting harmony among different religious communities. Akbar's reign laid the foundation for a strong and prosperous Mughal Empire, with his policies setting a precedent for future rulers.