Class 7 History Chapter 4 Notes - The Mughal Empire

Humayun

Humayun succeeded his father, Babur, in 1530 CE.

He faced challenges, including hostility from the Afghans led by Sher Shah Suri and Bahadur Shah, the ruler of Gujarat.

Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the battles of Chausa and Kannauj in 1539-1540 CE, forcing Humayun to flee to Kabul and then to

Persia.

In 1555 CE, Humayun retook Delhi and Agra after Sher Shah's successors proved weak.

Sadly, he died in 1556 CE after falling down the stairs in his library.

Akbar

Akbar, born in 1542, succeeded his father Humayun in 1556 CE, becoming the emperor at the age of 13 with Bairam Khan as his

regent.

Hemu briefly took control of Delhi and Agra during his reign.

In the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 CE, Hemu was defeated and killed by Bairam Khan, leading to the Mughals regaining control of

Delhi and Agra.

Akbar's empire expanded from the Himalayas to the Godavari River, the Hindukush mountains to the Brahmaputra River.

He expanded his rule through conquests in regions like Malwa, Narmada Valley, Gujarat, Jaunpur, and more.

His approach to the Rajputs involved matrimonial alliances, high positions for Rajput chiefs, and non-interference in their internal

matters.

Akbar promoted religious tolerance through policies like sulh-i-kul, which aimed for universal peace.

Jahangir

Jahangir, Akbar's son, became the emperor in 1605 CE.

He imprisoned his son, Prince Khusrau, who sought the throne.

Jahangir ended the long-standing conflict with Mewar by defeating Rana Amar Singh in 1615 CE.

He also subdued Musa Khan and his 12 allies known as Barah Bhuiyan in Bengal.

Jahangir's reign saw European visitors, like William Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe, who aimed to secure trade concessions.

Nur Jahan, his twentieth wife, exercised significant influence in royal affairs.

Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan, who ascended the throne in 1627 CE, was known as the builder of the Taj Mahal.

He expanded the empire by subjugating Deccan states and dealing with the Bundela Rajputs.

Shah Jahan's rule emphasized art and architecture, including constructing the Taj Mahal.

He paid attention to administration and roads to connect trading activities between Agra, Lahore, Delhi, and Ahmednagar.

A succession struggle among his sons marked his later years.

Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb, known as Alamgir, ruled from 1658 to 1707 CE, covering almost the entire Indian subcontinent.

His reign saw numerous revolts and conflicts, including with the Marathas under Shivaji.

His religious policies led to conflicts with the Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur.

Aurangzeb re-imposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims.

Despite his strict and simple lifestyle, his reign marked the zenith and eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.

Mughal Administration

The Mughal Emperor held absolute power, with authority over the military and justice.

The nobles and officials were appointed by the emperor, centralizing authority.

The mansabdari system introduced ranks and responsibilities for military and administrative officials.

The empire was divided into provinces (subas) ruled by governors (subahdars).

Revenue collection was a significant aspect, managed by officials like diwans and mir bakshis.

Parganas, comprising several villages, were governed locally.

Decentralization was limited, with tight control maintained by the Mughal emperors.