Mughals in Haryana: The short-lived empire | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

Introduction

• Haryana played an important role in the Mughal Empire, but their reign in the region was relatively short-lived. The Mughals arrived in Haryana in the 16th century, during the reign of Babur. However, it was Akbar who made significant changes in the administration of the region.
• Akbar introduced a new administrative unit called the "Chakla," which was an amalgamation of a few Parganas. He also divided Haryana into 18 circles to facilitate revenue collection. The zabti system of revenue collection, which Akbar inherited, continued until the 12th year of his reign. In his 13th year, he introduced the nasaq system in khalsa lands, which was later replaced by the Qanungo assessments and the Dastur or Jama-i-Dahsala.
• The prosperity enjoyed by the people of Haryana during the Mughal period is evident from the Ain-i-Akbari, which shows that the climate was temperate, rains were plentiful, and the region was known for its fruits and flowers. The revenue administration of Akbar was well supervised, and corruption and oppression of the people were mostly absent.
• However, the Mughal Empire in Haryana was short-lived. The region faced frequent invasions and battles, which led to the decline of the Mughal power in the area. The region was then ruled by various local rulers, including the Jats, Marathas, and the British, before it became a part of the Indian Republic in 1947.

Revolt against Humayun's Rule

• On December 26, 1530, Huinayun became the successor of Babur and named his brothers Mirza Hindal and Mirza Kamran as governors of Miwat and Sirhind-Hisar, respectively. Unfortunately, this decision proved to be detrimental to the newly established empire. 
• During Humayun's fight against the Afghans at Gaur, Hindal rebelled against him.
• In 1539, Sher Khan emerged victorious over Humayun at the Battle of Chausa and then assumed the title of SherShah. 
• The following year, in 1540, at the Battle of Bilgram, Sher Khan decisively defeated Humayun and forced him to flee from the empire.

Humayun and Sher Khan's Historical Anecdotes in Fatehabad and Thanesar

• According to a tradition, Humayun made a stopover in Fatehabad while on his way to Amarkot and offered prayers at a nearby mosque upon hearing the Miiazzim's call to prayer. 
• The mosque has since been named after him, and two of his inscriptions can be found on the walls of the idgah. Sher Khan, on the other hand, passed through the same region while pursuing Humayun. 
• At his camp in Thanesar, he received a report of an army horse theft and ordered the presence of nearby zamindars to find the culprit or face the consequences. 
• The swift punishment served as an example of Sher Shah's efficient military administration and highlighted the importance of Thanesar as a halting station for troops en route to Lahore. 
• Unfortunately, Humayun's unworthy successor led to the downfall of the Mughal empire founded by Babur, leading to Haryana once again coming under Afghan rule.