TN History Textbook: The Mughal Empire | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


221
Political History
Babur (1526-1530)
Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. His
original name was Zahiruddin Muhammad. He
was related to Timur from his father’s side and
to Chengiz Khan through his mother. Babur
succeeded his father Umar Shaikh Mirza as the
ruler of Farghana. But he was soon defeated by
his distant relative and as a result lost his
kingdom. He became a wanderer for sometime
till he captured Kabul from one of his uncles.
Then, Babur took interest in conquering India
and launched four expeditions between 1519 and 1523.
LESSON 20
THE MUGHAL EMPIRE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of the Mughal Empire.
2. Babur and his achievements.
3. Humayuns’ difficulties and the Sur interregnum.
4. Akbar and his achievements – Religious policy.
5. Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
6. Aurangazeb and his religious policy.
7. Causes for the decline of the Mughal empire.
BABUR 
Page 2


221
Political History
Babur (1526-1530)
Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. His
original name was Zahiruddin Muhammad. He
was related to Timur from his father’s side and
to Chengiz Khan through his mother. Babur
succeeded his father Umar Shaikh Mirza as the
ruler of Farghana. But he was soon defeated by
his distant relative and as a result lost his
kingdom. He became a wanderer for sometime
till he captured Kabul from one of his uncles.
Then, Babur took interest in conquering India
and launched four expeditions between 1519 and 1523.
LESSON 20
THE MUGHAL EMPIRE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of the Mughal Empire.
2. Babur and his achievements.
3. Humayuns’ difficulties and the Sur interregnum.
4. Akbar and his achievements – Religious policy.
5. Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
6. Aurangazeb and his religious policy.
7. Causes for the decline of the Mughal empire.
BABUR 
223 222
Humayun (1530-1540)
Humayun was the eldest son of Babur.
Humayun means “fortune” but he remained the
most unfortunate ruler of the Mughal Empire.
Humayun had three brothers, Kamran, Askari
and Hindal. Humayun divided the empire among
his brothers but this proved to be a great blunder
on his part. Kamran was given Kabul and
Kandahar. Sambhal and Alwar were given to
Askari and Hindal.
When Humayun was busy with fighting the Afghans in the
east, he got the news that Bahadur Shah of Gujarat was advancing
towards Delhi. Therefore, he hastily concluded a treaty with the
Afghan leader Sher Khan (later Sher Shah) and proceeded towards
Gujarat.
Humayun captured Gujarat from Bahadur Shah and appointed
Askari as its governor. But soon Bahadur Shah recovered Gujarat
from Askari who fled from there. In the meantime Sher Khan became
powerful in the east. Humayun marched against him and in the Battle
of Chausa, held in 1539, Sher Khan destroyed the Mughal army
and Humayun escaped from there. Humayun reached Agra to
negotiate with his brothers. But as they were not cooperative,
Humayun was forced to fight with Sher Khan alone in the Battle of
Bilgram in 1540. This battle was also known as Battle of Kanauj.
Humayun was thoroughly defeated by Sher Khan. After losing his
kingdom, Humayun became an exile for the next fifteen years.
Sur Interregnum (1540-1555)
The founder of the Sur dynasty was Sher Shah, whose original
name was Farid. He was the son of Hasan Khan, a jagirdar of
Sasaram in Bihar. Later, Farid served under the Afghan ruler of
HUMAYUN 
Military Conquests
On the eve of Babur’s invasion of India, there were five
prominent Muslim rulers – the Sultans of Delhi, Gujarat, Malwa,
Bengal and the Deccan – and two prominent Hindu rulers – Rana
Sangha of Mewar and the Vijayanagar Empire. Once again by the
end of 1525, Babur started from Kabul to conquer India. He
occupied Lahore easily by defeating its governor, Daulat Khan Lodi.
Then he proceeded against Delhi where Ibrahim Lodi was the Sultan.
On 21
st
 April 1526 the first Battle of Panipat took place between
Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, who was killed in the battle. Babur’s
success was due his cavalry and artillery. Babur occupied Delhi
and sent his son Humayun to seize Agra. Babur proclaimed himself
as “Emperor of Hindustan”.
His subsequent victories over Rana Sangha and the Afghans
secured his position as the ruler of India. Rana Sangha of Mewar
was a great Rajput warrior. He marched against Babur and in the
Battle of Khanua (near Agra) held in 1527 Babur won a decisive
victory over him. Babur assumed the title Ghazi.
In 1528, Babur captured Chanderi from another Rajput ruler
Medini Rai. In the next year, Babur defeated the Afghans in the
Battle of Gogra in Bihar. By these victories, Babur consolidated his
power in India. Babur died at Agra in 1530 at the age of forty
seven.
Estimate of Babur
Babur was a great statesman and a man of solid achievements.
He was also a great scholar in Arabic and Persian languages. Turki
was his mother tongue. He wrote his memoirs, Tuzuk-i-Baburi in
Turki language. It provides a vivid account of India. He frankly
confesses his own failures without suppressing any facts. He was
also a naturalist and described the flora and fauna of India.
Page 3


221
Political History
Babur (1526-1530)
Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. His
original name was Zahiruddin Muhammad. He
was related to Timur from his father’s side and
to Chengiz Khan through his mother. Babur
succeeded his father Umar Shaikh Mirza as the
ruler of Farghana. But he was soon defeated by
his distant relative and as a result lost his
kingdom. He became a wanderer for sometime
till he captured Kabul from one of his uncles.
Then, Babur took interest in conquering India
and launched four expeditions between 1519 and 1523.
LESSON 20
THE MUGHAL EMPIRE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of the Mughal Empire.
2. Babur and his achievements.
3. Humayuns’ difficulties and the Sur interregnum.
4. Akbar and his achievements – Religious policy.
5. Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
6. Aurangazeb and his religious policy.
7. Causes for the decline of the Mughal empire.
BABUR 
223 222
Humayun (1530-1540)
Humayun was the eldest son of Babur.
Humayun means “fortune” but he remained the
most unfortunate ruler of the Mughal Empire.
Humayun had three brothers, Kamran, Askari
and Hindal. Humayun divided the empire among
his brothers but this proved to be a great blunder
on his part. Kamran was given Kabul and
Kandahar. Sambhal and Alwar were given to
Askari and Hindal.
When Humayun was busy with fighting the Afghans in the
east, he got the news that Bahadur Shah of Gujarat was advancing
towards Delhi. Therefore, he hastily concluded a treaty with the
Afghan leader Sher Khan (later Sher Shah) and proceeded towards
Gujarat.
Humayun captured Gujarat from Bahadur Shah and appointed
Askari as its governor. But soon Bahadur Shah recovered Gujarat
from Askari who fled from there. In the meantime Sher Khan became
powerful in the east. Humayun marched against him and in the Battle
of Chausa, held in 1539, Sher Khan destroyed the Mughal army
and Humayun escaped from there. Humayun reached Agra to
negotiate with his brothers. But as they were not cooperative,
Humayun was forced to fight with Sher Khan alone in the Battle of
Bilgram in 1540. This battle was also known as Battle of Kanauj.
Humayun was thoroughly defeated by Sher Khan. After losing his
kingdom, Humayun became an exile for the next fifteen years.
Sur Interregnum (1540-1555)
The founder of the Sur dynasty was Sher Shah, whose original
name was Farid. He was the son of Hasan Khan, a jagirdar of
Sasaram in Bihar. Later, Farid served under the Afghan ruler of
HUMAYUN 
Military Conquests
On the eve of Babur’s invasion of India, there were five
prominent Muslim rulers – the Sultans of Delhi, Gujarat, Malwa,
Bengal and the Deccan – and two prominent Hindu rulers – Rana
Sangha of Mewar and the Vijayanagar Empire. Once again by the
end of 1525, Babur started from Kabul to conquer India. He
occupied Lahore easily by defeating its governor, Daulat Khan Lodi.
Then he proceeded against Delhi where Ibrahim Lodi was the Sultan.
On 21
st
 April 1526 the first Battle of Panipat took place between
Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, who was killed in the battle. Babur’s
success was due his cavalry and artillery. Babur occupied Delhi
and sent his son Humayun to seize Agra. Babur proclaimed himself
as “Emperor of Hindustan”.
His subsequent victories over Rana Sangha and the Afghans
secured his position as the ruler of India. Rana Sangha of Mewar
was a great Rajput warrior. He marched against Babur and in the
Battle of Khanua (near Agra) held in 1527 Babur won a decisive
victory over him. Babur assumed the title Ghazi.
In 1528, Babur captured Chanderi from another Rajput ruler
Medini Rai. In the next year, Babur defeated the Afghans in the
Battle of Gogra in Bihar. By these victories, Babur consolidated his
power in India. Babur died at Agra in 1530 at the age of forty
seven.
Estimate of Babur
Babur was a great statesman and a man of solid achievements.
He was also a great scholar in Arabic and Persian languages. Turki
was his mother tongue. He wrote his memoirs, Tuzuk-i-Baburi in
Turki language. It provides a vivid account of India. He frankly
confesses his own failures without suppressing any facts. He was
also a naturalist and described the flora and fauna of India.
225 224
The land revenue administration was well organized under
Sher Shah. Land survey was carefully done. All cultivable lands
were classified into three classes – good, middle and bad. The state’s
share was one third of the average produce and it was paid in cash
or crop. His revenue reforms increased the revenue of the state.
Sher Shah introduced new silver coins called “Dam” and they were
in circulation till 1835.
Sher Shah had also improved the communications by laying
four important highways. They were: 1. Sonargaon to Sind 2. Agra
to Burhampur 3. Jodhpur to Chittor and 4. Lahore to Multan. Rest
houses were built on the highways for the convenience of the
travelers. Police was efficiently reorganized and crime was less during
his regime.
The military administration was also efficiently reorganized
and Sher Shah borrowed many ideas like the branding of horses
from Alauddin Khalji.
Estimate of Sher Shah
Sher Shah remained a pious Muslim and generally tolerant
towards other religions. He employed Hindus in important offices.
He was also a patron of art and architecture. He built a new city on
the banks of the river Yamuna near Delhi. Now the old fort called
Purana Qila and its mosque is alone surviving. He also built a
Mausoleum at Sasaram, which is considered as one of the master
pieces of Indian architecture. Sher Shah also patronized the learned
men. Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the famous Hindi work
Padmavat during his reign.
After Sher Shah’s death in 1545 his successors ruled till 1555
when Humayun reconquered India.
Bihar, who gave him the title Sher Khan for his bravery. We have
already seen how he defeated Humayun at the Battle of Chausa
and became the ruler of Delhi in 1540.
Sher Shah Sur (1540-1545)
Sher Shah waged extensive wars with the
Rajputs and expanded his empire. His conquests
include Punjab, Malwa, Sind, Multan and
Bundelkhand. His empire consisted of the whole of
North India except Assam, Nepal, Kashmir and
Gujarat.
Sher Shah’s Administration
Although his rule lasted for five years, he
organized a brilliant administrative system. The central government
consisted of several departments. The king was assisted by four
important ministers:
1. Diwan –i- Wizarat – also called as Wazir - in charge
of Revenue and Finance.
2. Diwan-i-Ariz – in charge of Army.
3. Diwan-i-Rasalat- Foreign Minister.
4. Diwan-i-Insha- Minister for Communications.
Sher Shah’s empire was divided into forty seven sarkars.
Chief Shiqdar (law and order) and Chief Munsif (judge) were the
two officers in charge of the administration in each sarkar. Each
sarkar was divided into several parganas. Shiqdar (military
officer), Amin (land revenue), Fotedar (treasurer) Karkuns
(accountants) were in charge of the administration of each pargana.
There were also many administrative units called iqtas.
SHER  SHAH
SUR
Page 4


221
Political History
Babur (1526-1530)
Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. His
original name was Zahiruddin Muhammad. He
was related to Timur from his father’s side and
to Chengiz Khan through his mother. Babur
succeeded his father Umar Shaikh Mirza as the
ruler of Farghana. But he was soon defeated by
his distant relative and as a result lost his
kingdom. He became a wanderer for sometime
till he captured Kabul from one of his uncles.
Then, Babur took interest in conquering India
and launched four expeditions between 1519 and 1523.
LESSON 20
THE MUGHAL EMPIRE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of the Mughal Empire.
2. Babur and his achievements.
3. Humayuns’ difficulties and the Sur interregnum.
4. Akbar and his achievements – Religious policy.
5. Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
6. Aurangazeb and his religious policy.
7. Causes for the decline of the Mughal empire.
BABUR 
223 222
Humayun (1530-1540)
Humayun was the eldest son of Babur.
Humayun means “fortune” but he remained the
most unfortunate ruler of the Mughal Empire.
Humayun had three brothers, Kamran, Askari
and Hindal. Humayun divided the empire among
his brothers but this proved to be a great blunder
on his part. Kamran was given Kabul and
Kandahar. Sambhal and Alwar were given to
Askari and Hindal.
When Humayun was busy with fighting the Afghans in the
east, he got the news that Bahadur Shah of Gujarat was advancing
towards Delhi. Therefore, he hastily concluded a treaty with the
Afghan leader Sher Khan (later Sher Shah) and proceeded towards
Gujarat.
Humayun captured Gujarat from Bahadur Shah and appointed
Askari as its governor. But soon Bahadur Shah recovered Gujarat
from Askari who fled from there. In the meantime Sher Khan became
powerful in the east. Humayun marched against him and in the Battle
of Chausa, held in 1539, Sher Khan destroyed the Mughal army
and Humayun escaped from there. Humayun reached Agra to
negotiate with his brothers. But as they were not cooperative,
Humayun was forced to fight with Sher Khan alone in the Battle of
Bilgram in 1540. This battle was also known as Battle of Kanauj.
Humayun was thoroughly defeated by Sher Khan. After losing his
kingdom, Humayun became an exile for the next fifteen years.
Sur Interregnum (1540-1555)
The founder of the Sur dynasty was Sher Shah, whose original
name was Farid. He was the son of Hasan Khan, a jagirdar of
Sasaram in Bihar. Later, Farid served under the Afghan ruler of
HUMAYUN 
Military Conquests
On the eve of Babur’s invasion of India, there were five
prominent Muslim rulers – the Sultans of Delhi, Gujarat, Malwa,
Bengal and the Deccan – and two prominent Hindu rulers – Rana
Sangha of Mewar and the Vijayanagar Empire. Once again by the
end of 1525, Babur started from Kabul to conquer India. He
occupied Lahore easily by defeating its governor, Daulat Khan Lodi.
Then he proceeded against Delhi where Ibrahim Lodi was the Sultan.
On 21
st
 April 1526 the first Battle of Panipat took place between
Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, who was killed in the battle. Babur’s
success was due his cavalry and artillery. Babur occupied Delhi
and sent his son Humayun to seize Agra. Babur proclaimed himself
as “Emperor of Hindustan”.
His subsequent victories over Rana Sangha and the Afghans
secured his position as the ruler of India. Rana Sangha of Mewar
was a great Rajput warrior. He marched against Babur and in the
Battle of Khanua (near Agra) held in 1527 Babur won a decisive
victory over him. Babur assumed the title Ghazi.
In 1528, Babur captured Chanderi from another Rajput ruler
Medini Rai. In the next year, Babur defeated the Afghans in the
Battle of Gogra in Bihar. By these victories, Babur consolidated his
power in India. Babur died at Agra in 1530 at the age of forty
seven.
Estimate of Babur
Babur was a great statesman and a man of solid achievements.
He was also a great scholar in Arabic and Persian languages. Turki
was his mother tongue. He wrote his memoirs, Tuzuk-i-Baburi in
Turki language. It provides a vivid account of India. He frankly
confesses his own failures without suppressing any facts. He was
also a naturalist and described the flora and fauna of India.
225 224
The land revenue administration was well organized under
Sher Shah. Land survey was carefully done. All cultivable lands
were classified into three classes – good, middle and bad. The state’s
share was one third of the average produce and it was paid in cash
or crop. His revenue reforms increased the revenue of the state.
Sher Shah introduced new silver coins called “Dam” and they were
in circulation till 1835.
Sher Shah had also improved the communications by laying
four important highways. They were: 1. Sonargaon to Sind 2. Agra
to Burhampur 3. Jodhpur to Chittor and 4. Lahore to Multan. Rest
houses were built on the highways for the convenience of the
travelers. Police was efficiently reorganized and crime was less during
his regime.
The military administration was also efficiently reorganized
and Sher Shah borrowed many ideas like the branding of horses
from Alauddin Khalji.
Estimate of Sher Shah
Sher Shah remained a pious Muslim and generally tolerant
towards other religions. He employed Hindus in important offices.
He was also a patron of art and architecture. He built a new city on
the banks of the river Yamuna near Delhi. Now the old fort called
Purana Qila and its mosque is alone surviving. He also built a
Mausoleum at Sasaram, which is considered as one of the master
pieces of Indian architecture. Sher Shah also patronized the learned
men. Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the famous Hindi work
Padmavat during his reign.
After Sher Shah’s death in 1545 his successors ruled till 1555
when Humayun reconquered India.
Bihar, who gave him the title Sher Khan for his bravery. We have
already seen how he defeated Humayun at the Battle of Chausa
and became the ruler of Delhi in 1540.
Sher Shah Sur (1540-1545)
Sher Shah waged extensive wars with the
Rajputs and expanded his empire. His conquests
include Punjab, Malwa, Sind, Multan and
Bundelkhand. His empire consisted of the whole of
North India except Assam, Nepal, Kashmir and
Gujarat.
Sher Shah’s Administration
Although his rule lasted for five years, he
organized a brilliant administrative system. The central government
consisted of several departments. The king was assisted by four
important ministers:
1. Diwan –i- Wizarat – also called as Wazir - in charge
of Revenue and Finance.
2. Diwan-i-Ariz – in charge of Army.
3. Diwan-i-Rasalat- Foreign Minister.
4. Diwan-i-Insha- Minister for Communications.
Sher Shah’s empire was divided into forty seven sarkars.
Chief Shiqdar (law and order) and Chief Munsif (judge) were the
two officers in charge of the administration in each sarkar. Each
sarkar was divided into several parganas. Shiqdar (military
officer), Amin (land revenue), Fotedar (treasurer) Karkuns
(accountants) were in charge of the administration of each pargana.
There were also many administrative units called iqtas.
SHER  SHAH
SUR
227 226
Humayun (1555-1556)
When Humayun left India in 1540, he married Hamida Banu
Begum on his way to Sind. When they stayed in Amorkot, a Hindu
kingdom ruled by Rana Prasad, Akbar was born in 1542. Humayun
then proceeded to Iran and sought help from its ruler. He later defeated
his brothers, Kamran and Askari. In the meantime the Sur dynasty in
India was declining rapidly. In 1555, Humayun defeated the Afghans
and recovered the Mughal throne. After six months, he died in 1556
due to his fall from the staircase of his library. Although Humayun was
not a good General and warrior, he was kind and generous. He was
also learned and a student of mathematics, astronomy and astrology.
He also loved painting and wrote poetry in Persian language.
Akbar (1556-1605)
Akbar was one of the greatest monarchs of India. He
succeeded the throne after his father Humayun’s death. But his
position was dangerous because Delhi was seized
by the Afghans. Their commander-in-Chief, Hemu,
was in charge of it. In the second Battle of Panipat
in 1556, Hemu was almost on the point of victory.
But an arrow pierced his eye and he became
unconscious. His army fled and the fortune
favoured Akbar. The Mughal victory was decisive.
During the first five years of Akbar’s reign,
Bairam Khan acted as his regent. He consolidated the Mughal
empire. After five years he was removed by Akbar due to court
intrigues and sent to Mecca. But on his way Bairam was killed by
an Afghan.
Akbar’s military conquests were extensive. He conquered
northern India from Agra to Gujarat and then from Agra to Bengal.
He strengthened the northwest frontier. Later, he went to the Deccan.
AKBAR 
Page 5


221
Political History
Babur (1526-1530)
Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. His
original name was Zahiruddin Muhammad. He
was related to Timur from his father’s side and
to Chengiz Khan through his mother. Babur
succeeded his father Umar Shaikh Mirza as the
ruler of Farghana. But he was soon defeated by
his distant relative and as a result lost his
kingdom. He became a wanderer for sometime
till he captured Kabul from one of his uncles.
Then, Babur took interest in conquering India
and launched four expeditions between 1519 and 1523.
LESSON 20
THE MUGHAL EMPIRE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of the Mughal Empire.
2. Babur and his achievements.
3. Humayuns’ difficulties and the Sur interregnum.
4. Akbar and his achievements – Religious policy.
5. Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
6. Aurangazeb and his religious policy.
7. Causes for the decline of the Mughal empire.
BABUR 
223 222
Humayun (1530-1540)
Humayun was the eldest son of Babur.
Humayun means “fortune” but he remained the
most unfortunate ruler of the Mughal Empire.
Humayun had three brothers, Kamran, Askari
and Hindal. Humayun divided the empire among
his brothers but this proved to be a great blunder
on his part. Kamran was given Kabul and
Kandahar. Sambhal and Alwar were given to
Askari and Hindal.
When Humayun was busy with fighting the Afghans in the
east, he got the news that Bahadur Shah of Gujarat was advancing
towards Delhi. Therefore, he hastily concluded a treaty with the
Afghan leader Sher Khan (later Sher Shah) and proceeded towards
Gujarat.
Humayun captured Gujarat from Bahadur Shah and appointed
Askari as its governor. But soon Bahadur Shah recovered Gujarat
from Askari who fled from there. In the meantime Sher Khan became
powerful in the east. Humayun marched against him and in the Battle
of Chausa, held in 1539, Sher Khan destroyed the Mughal army
and Humayun escaped from there. Humayun reached Agra to
negotiate with his brothers. But as they were not cooperative,
Humayun was forced to fight with Sher Khan alone in the Battle of
Bilgram in 1540. This battle was also known as Battle of Kanauj.
Humayun was thoroughly defeated by Sher Khan. After losing his
kingdom, Humayun became an exile for the next fifteen years.
Sur Interregnum (1540-1555)
The founder of the Sur dynasty was Sher Shah, whose original
name was Farid. He was the son of Hasan Khan, a jagirdar of
Sasaram in Bihar. Later, Farid served under the Afghan ruler of
HUMAYUN 
Military Conquests
On the eve of Babur’s invasion of India, there were five
prominent Muslim rulers – the Sultans of Delhi, Gujarat, Malwa,
Bengal and the Deccan – and two prominent Hindu rulers – Rana
Sangha of Mewar and the Vijayanagar Empire. Once again by the
end of 1525, Babur started from Kabul to conquer India. He
occupied Lahore easily by defeating its governor, Daulat Khan Lodi.
Then he proceeded against Delhi where Ibrahim Lodi was the Sultan.
On 21
st
 April 1526 the first Battle of Panipat took place between
Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, who was killed in the battle. Babur’s
success was due his cavalry and artillery. Babur occupied Delhi
and sent his son Humayun to seize Agra. Babur proclaimed himself
as “Emperor of Hindustan”.
His subsequent victories over Rana Sangha and the Afghans
secured his position as the ruler of India. Rana Sangha of Mewar
was a great Rajput warrior. He marched against Babur and in the
Battle of Khanua (near Agra) held in 1527 Babur won a decisive
victory over him. Babur assumed the title Ghazi.
In 1528, Babur captured Chanderi from another Rajput ruler
Medini Rai. In the next year, Babur defeated the Afghans in the
Battle of Gogra in Bihar. By these victories, Babur consolidated his
power in India. Babur died at Agra in 1530 at the age of forty
seven.
Estimate of Babur
Babur was a great statesman and a man of solid achievements.
He was also a great scholar in Arabic and Persian languages. Turki
was his mother tongue. He wrote his memoirs, Tuzuk-i-Baburi in
Turki language. It provides a vivid account of India. He frankly
confesses his own failures without suppressing any facts. He was
also a naturalist and described the flora and fauna of India.
225 224
The land revenue administration was well organized under
Sher Shah. Land survey was carefully done. All cultivable lands
were classified into three classes – good, middle and bad. The state’s
share was one third of the average produce and it was paid in cash
or crop. His revenue reforms increased the revenue of the state.
Sher Shah introduced new silver coins called “Dam” and they were
in circulation till 1835.
Sher Shah had also improved the communications by laying
four important highways. They were: 1. Sonargaon to Sind 2. Agra
to Burhampur 3. Jodhpur to Chittor and 4. Lahore to Multan. Rest
houses were built on the highways for the convenience of the
travelers. Police was efficiently reorganized and crime was less during
his regime.
The military administration was also efficiently reorganized
and Sher Shah borrowed many ideas like the branding of horses
from Alauddin Khalji.
Estimate of Sher Shah
Sher Shah remained a pious Muslim and generally tolerant
towards other religions. He employed Hindus in important offices.
He was also a patron of art and architecture. He built a new city on
the banks of the river Yamuna near Delhi. Now the old fort called
Purana Qila and its mosque is alone surviving. He also built a
Mausoleum at Sasaram, which is considered as one of the master
pieces of Indian architecture. Sher Shah also patronized the learned
men. Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the famous Hindi work
Padmavat during his reign.
After Sher Shah’s death in 1545 his successors ruled till 1555
when Humayun reconquered India.
Bihar, who gave him the title Sher Khan for his bravery. We have
already seen how he defeated Humayun at the Battle of Chausa
and became the ruler of Delhi in 1540.
Sher Shah Sur (1540-1545)
Sher Shah waged extensive wars with the
Rajputs and expanded his empire. His conquests
include Punjab, Malwa, Sind, Multan and
Bundelkhand. His empire consisted of the whole of
North India except Assam, Nepal, Kashmir and
Gujarat.
Sher Shah’s Administration
Although his rule lasted for five years, he
organized a brilliant administrative system. The central government
consisted of several departments. The king was assisted by four
important ministers:
1. Diwan –i- Wizarat – also called as Wazir - in charge
of Revenue and Finance.
2. Diwan-i-Ariz – in charge of Army.
3. Diwan-i-Rasalat- Foreign Minister.
4. Diwan-i-Insha- Minister for Communications.
Sher Shah’s empire was divided into forty seven sarkars.
Chief Shiqdar (law and order) and Chief Munsif (judge) were the
two officers in charge of the administration in each sarkar. Each
sarkar was divided into several parganas. Shiqdar (military
officer), Amin (land revenue), Fotedar (treasurer) Karkuns
(accountants) were in charge of the administration of each pargana.
There were also many administrative units called iqtas.
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SUR
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Humayun (1555-1556)
When Humayun left India in 1540, he married Hamida Banu
Begum on his way to Sind. When they stayed in Amorkot, a Hindu
kingdom ruled by Rana Prasad, Akbar was born in 1542. Humayun
then proceeded to Iran and sought help from its ruler. He later defeated
his brothers, Kamran and Askari. In the meantime the Sur dynasty in
India was declining rapidly. In 1555, Humayun defeated the Afghans
and recovered the Mughal throne. After six months, he died in 1556
due to his fall from the staircase of his library. Although Humayun was
not a good General and warrior, he was kind and generous. He was
also learned and a student of mathematics, astronomy and astrology.
He also loved painting and wrote poetry in Persian language.
Akbar (1556-1605)
Akbar was one of the greatest monarchs of India. He
succeeded the throne after his father Humayun’s death. But his
position was dangerous because Delhi was seized
by the Afghans. Their commander-in-Chief, Hemu,
was in charge of it. In the second Battle of Panipat
in 1556, Hemu was almost on the point of victory.
But an arrow pierced his eye and he became
unconscious. His army fled and the fortune
favoured Akbar. The Mughal victory was decisive.
During the first five years of Akbar’s reign,
Bairam Khan acted as his regent. He consolidated the Mughal
empire. After five years he was removed by Akbar due to court
intrigues and sent to Mecca. But on his way Bairam was killed by
an Afghan.
Akbar’s military conquests were extensive. He conquered
northern India from Agra to Gujarat and then from Agra to Bengal.
He strengthened the northwest frontier. Later, he went to the Deccan.
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in 1562, he abolished jiziya. He allowed his Hindu wives to worship
their own gods. Later, he became a skeptical Muslim. In 1575, he
ordered for the construction of Ibadat Khana (House of worship)
at his new capital Fatepur Sikri. Akbar invited learned scholars from
all religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism.
He disliked the interference of the Muslim Ulemas in political
matters. In 1579, he issued the “Infallibility Decree” by which he
asserted his religious powers.
In 1582, he promulgated a new religion called Din Ilahi or
Divine Faith. It believes in one God. It contained good points of all
religions. Its basis was rational. It upholds no dogma. It was aimed
at bridging the gulf that separated different religions. However, his
new faith proved to be a failure. It fizzled out after his death. Even
during his life time, it had only fifteen followers including Birbal.
Akbar did not compel anyone to his new faith.
Land Revenue Administration
Akbar made some experiments in the land revenue
administration with the help of Raja Todar Mal. The land revenue
system of Akbar was called Zabti or Bandobast system. It was
further improved by Raja Todar Mal. It was known as Dahsala
System which was completed in 1580. By this system, Todar Mal
introduced a uniform system of land measurement. The revenue was
fixed on the average yield of land assessed on the basis of past ten
years. The land was also divided into four categories – Polaj
(cultivated every year), Parauti (once in two years), Chachar (once
in three or four years) and Banjar (once in five or more years).
Payment of revenue was made generally in cash.
Mansabdari System
Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system in his administration.
Under this system every officer was assigned a rank (mansab). The
Relations with Rajputs
The Rajput policy of Akbar was notable. He married the
Rajput princess, the daughter of Raja Bharamal. It was a turning
point in the history of Mughals. Rajputs served the Mughals for four
generations. Many of them rose to the positions of military generals.
Raja Bhagawan Das and Raja Man Singh were given senior positions
in the administration by Akbar. One by one, all Rajput states
submitted to Akbar.
But the Ranas of Mewar continued to defy despite several
defeats. In the Battle of Haldighati, Rana Pratap Singh was severely
defeated by the Mughal army led by Man Singh in 1576. Following
the defeat of Mewar, most of the leading Rajput rulers had accepted
Akbar’s suzerainty.
Akbar’s Rajput policy was combined with a broad religious
toleration. He abolished the pilgrim tax and later the jiziya. The Rajput
policy of Akbar proved to be beneficial to the Mughal state as well
as to the Rajputs. The alliance secured to the Mughals the services
of the bravest warriors. On the other hand it ensured peace in
Rajasthan and a number of Rajputs who joined the Mughal service
rose to important positions.
Religious Policy
Akbar rose to fame in the pages of history due to his religious
policy. Various factors were responsible for his religious ideas. The
most important among them were his early contacts with the sufi
saints, the teachings of his tutor Abdul Latif, his marriage with Rajput
women, his association with intellectual giants like Shaikh Mubarak
and his two illustrious sons – Abul Faizi and Abul Fazl – and his
ambition to establish an empire in Hindustan.
In the beginning of his life, Akbar was a pious Muslim. Soon
after marrying Jodh Bai of Amber, he abolished the pilgrim tax and