Mughal rule in India | 1450 - Present | World History | Khan Academy

Summary

The video explores the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire, beginning with Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, who conquered northern India in 1526. It details the reigns of key rulers, including Akbar, known for his pluralism and cultural unification efforts, and Aurangzeb, who expanded the empire but was known for his intolerance. The empire peaked in territorial expansion but faced a decline in the 18th century due to weak rulers and invasions, leading to British dominance in India.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Timur's Persia and Central Asia fragmented by the 15th century, leading to several independent kingdoms.
• 👑 Babur, Timur's great-grandson, took the throne of Fergana at age 12 in 1483 and struggled to maintain control over territories.
• 🔫 Babur used cannons to defeat Ibrahim Lodi in 1526, marking the rise of the Mughal Empire in northern India.
• 🏰 The Mughal Empire brought significant Persian cultural influence, as Persian was the language of the court.
• 🌱 Akbar, Babur's grandson, expanded the empire, emphasized religious tolerance, and attempted to unify India through cultural pluralism.
• 🙏 Akbar introduced the Din-i-Ilahi, a syncretic religion blending elements from various faiths, including Hinduism and Jainism.
• 🎨 Shah Jahan's reign marked the golden age of Mughal architecture, most famously commissioning the Taj Mahal.
• 📚 Jahangir, Akbar's son, continued a focus on the arts and sciences but became controversial for executing Sikh leader Guru Arjan.
• 🛑 Aurangzeb, a strong but authoritarian ruler, expanded the empire significantly but was less tolerant of other religions.
• 📉 After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal Empire declined, with the British gaining influence in the region by the 18th century.

Q & A

Who was Babur, and what was his significance in the history of the Moghul Empire?

Babur was a great-grandson of Timur, born in 1483 in Andijan (now part of Uzbekistan). He founded the Moghul Empire in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate in 1526, utilizing cannons effectively in battle. His conquest marked the beginning of Moghul rule in northern India.

What challenges did Babur face during his early reign?

Babur faced multiple challenges, including difficulties consolidating control over Samarkand and Fergana, losing both territories several times. Eventually, he shifted his focus away from Central Asia and toward India, where he established the Moghul Empire.

What role did Persian culture and language play in Babur's court?

Persian was the official language of Babur's court, reflecting his Turko-Mongolian lineage and connections to Persian influence. This helped shape the Persian influence on North Indian culture during the Moghul era.

How did Akbar differ from earlier Moghul rulers in his approach to governance and religion?

Akbar was known for his pluralistic approach, attempting to unify India culturally. He invited religious scholars from various traditions and tried to merge religious ideas, even creating the Din-i-Illahi, a religion that combined elements from Hinduism, Jainism, and Islam.

What were some of Akbar's notable reforms related to religious tolerance?

Akbar is famous for his tolerance towards other religions. He banned cow slaughter, became a vegetarian, and held discussions with scholars of different faiths. His reign was marked by efforts to bridge the gap between Muslim and non-Muslim populations in India.

What was the significance of Shah Jahan's reign, particularly in terms of architecture?

Shah Jahan's reign is known as the golden age of Moghul architecture. His most famous architectural achievement is the Taj Mahal, built as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra in the 1630s. His reign saw the construction of several other magnificent buildings as well.

How did Aurangzeb's policies differ from his predecessors, and what was the impact on the Moghul Empire?

Aurangzeb was known for being less tolerant than previous Moghul rulers. His authoritarian rule expanded the empire to its largest extent, but his strict enforcement of Islamic laws and intolerance towards other religions created unrest. His death in 1707 marked the beginning of the Moghul Empire's decline.

What caused the decline of the Moghul Empire in the 18th century?

After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Moghul Empire was ruled by increasingly weaker emperors. The empire's power and territory dwindled, and Delhi was sacked by Nadir Shah. The British and other local Indian rulers gradually chipped away at Moghul territories throughout the 18th century.

Why is Jahangir’s reign considered controversial despite his tolerance and interest in arts and sciences?

Jahangir is controversial because, despite being tolerant and continuing Akbar's patronage of the arts and sciences, he ordered the execution of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru. Some believe this was due to political insecurity, while others argue it was due to Guru Arjan's growing influence.

What was the significance of Humayun's exile and later return to power?

Humayun was dethroned by the Pashtun Suri dynasty but regained power with the help of the Safavids after a period of exile. His return was significant because it reestablished Moghul rule, though his reign ended abruptly due to his accidental death, leading to Akbar’s rise to power.

Outlines

00:00

📜 The Rise of Babur and the Foundation of the Mughal Empire

This paragraph describes the early life and struggles of Babur, the great-grandson of Timur, born in 1483 in Andijan (modern-day Uzbekistan). At 12, Babur became ruler of Fergana after his father's death. His attempts to consolidate power in Samarkand and Fergana were met with failure, and he eventually shifted his focus from Central Asia to India. In 1526, Babur used cannons to defeat Ibrahim Lodi and established Mughal rule in northern India. The word 'Moghul' means 'Mongol' in Persian, reflecting Babur's Turko-Mongolian heritage. Persian influence in North India grew under his reign.

05:01

🕌 Akbar's Expansion and Religious Pluralism

This paragraph covers Akbar's reign, highlighting his efforts to consolidate and expand the Mughal Empire. After his father Humayun's difficult reign, Akbar expanded Mughal territory and strengthened central authority, seen in the purple areas on the map. Akbar's religious tolerance and pluralism were key features of his rule, promoting the unification of India culturally. He famously held discussions with religious scholars, seeking to merge religions into what would be called 'Din-i-Ilahi,' or the 'Religion of God.' His adoption of Jain and Hindu principles, such as vegetarianism and banning cow slaughter, is noted.

📚 Jahangir's Rule and the Controversial Execution of Guru Arjan

Jahangir, Akbar's son, continued his father’s legacy of religious tolerance and interest in arts and sciences. However, his rule is marked by controversy, particularly the execution of Guru Arjan, the Sikh leader. Some argue this was because Guru Arjan sided with Jahangir's rebellious son, while others attribute it to Jahangir’s insecurity about the growing Sikh following in Punjab. Despite these controversies, Jahangir's reign is seen as an extension of the cultural and scientific advancements of Akbar's court.

🏛️ Shah Jahan's Golden Age of Mughal Architecture

Shah Jahan’s reign is remembered as a golden age of Mughal architecture, most notably for commissioning the Taj Mahal in the 1630s as a mausoleum for his late wife. This period saw significant cultural flourishing, with Agra and Delhi serving as capitals at various times. However, Shah Jahan was eventually imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb, signaling the start of more authoritarian rule.

⚔️ Aurangzeb's Expansion and the Decline of the Mughal Empire

Aurangzeb expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent, particularly into South India. However, his reign is characterized by strict authoritarianism and a departure from the religious tolerance of earlier rulers. After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the empire entered a period of decline, with weaker rulers and growing external threats. The 18th century saw the sacking of Delhi by Nadir Shah and the gradual loss of territory to the British and other Indian rulers.

Keywords

💡Babur

Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire, born in 1483 in Andijan, Central Asia. He was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan and after facing challenges in Central Asia, he shifted his focus to India. In 1526, Babur successfully established Mughal rule in Northern India, using cannons in his victory over Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate. His reign marks the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.

💡Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur in 1526, became one of the most significant empires in Indian history. At its height, it extended over most of the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its cultural pluralism, architectural achievements, and the influence of Persian culture. The empire began to decline after the reign of Aurangzeb in the late 17th century.

💡Timur

Timur, also known as Tamerlane, was a Turko-Mongol conqueror whose descendants, including Babur, would later establish the Mughal Empire in India. His empire, which stretched across Central Asia, fragmented after his death. Babur, a great-grandson of Timur, sought to recreate this legacy but ultimately shifted his ambitions toward India.

💡Akbar

Akbar, the grandson of Babur, is one of the most renowned Mughal emperors, ruling from 1556 to 1605. He expanded the empire significantly and is known for his policy of religious tolerance. Akbar sought to unify India culturally and even tried to blend elements of various religions, including Islam, Hinduism, and Jainism, through his creation of a syncretic faith called Din-i-Illahi.

💡Din-i-Illahi

Din-i-Illahi, meaning 'Religion of God,' was a syncretic religion created by Akbar. It sought to merge elements of Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, and Christianity to promote unity within his diverse empire. Although it did not gain widespread adoption, it reflects Akbar's inclusive and pluralistic approach to governance.

💡Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb was the last powerful Mughal emperor, ruling from 1658 to 1707. Known for his expansionist policies, he extended the empire into southern India. However, Aurangzeb's reign is also remembered for his strict adherence to Islam and religious intolerance, which contributed to internal divisions and the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.

💡Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate refers to the Muslim kingdom that ruled over large parts of India before the Mughal Empire. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1526 at the Battle of Panipat, marking the beginning of Mughal rule in India. The Sultanate had established the foundations for Muslim governance in the subcontinent, which the Mughals inherited.

💡Persian influence

Persian influence was central to the Mughal court, with Persian being the official language under Babur and his descendants. This influence extended to culture, art, and architecture, as seen in the famous Mughal buildings such as the Taj Mahal. The use of Persian shaped the Mughal Empire's identity, distinguishing it from earlier Indian rulers.

💡Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic monuments of the Mughal Empire, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1630s as a mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It represents the zenith of Mughal architecture and is renowned for its intricate design and use of white marble. The Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of the Mughal Empire's artistic and cultural achievements.

💡Nadir Shah

Nadir Shah was a Persian conqueror who sacked Delhi in 1739, during the period of Mughal decline. His invasion of the Mughal capital further weakened the empire, marking a significant moment in the disintegration of Mughal authority. The loss of wealth and prestige from this event accelerated the empire's decline in the 18th century.

Highlights

By the 15th century, Timur's Persia and Central Asia had fragmented, with many of Timur's descendants ruling their own kingdoms.

Babur, a great-grandson of Timur, was born in 1483 in Andijan, eastern Uzbekistan, and took the throne of Fergana at age 12.

Babur repeatedly tried to take control of Samarkand and Fergana but ultimately shifted his focus to India in the early 16th century.

In 1526, Babur used cannons in a significant way in the Indian subcontinent, defeating Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate and coming to power in northern India.

The Persian influence in northern Indian culture increased significantly under Babur's rule, as Persian was the language of his court.

After Babur's death in 1530, his son Humayun faced challenges in retaining power but regained control with the help of the Safavids.

Humayun's son Akbar is considered one of the most famous Mughal rulers, known for expanding the empire and promoting cultural unity.

Akbar practiced religious tolerance, holding court with scholars from different faiths and even attempting to merge religions under Din-i-Illahi.

Akbar became a vegetarian and banned the slaughter of cows, integrating Hindu and Jain principles into his rule.

Jahangir, Akbar's son, continued a degree of religious tolerance but is known for executing Sikh Guru Arjan, which some attribute to political insecurity.

Shah Jahan, Jahangir's son, is known for the golden age of Mughal architecture, particularly the construction of the Taj Mahal in the 1630s.

Shah Jahan was eventually imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, a strong but intolerant ruler who expanded the empire further into South India.

Aurangzeb's rule marked the height of the Mughal Empire's territorial reach, rivaling the size of the ancient Maurya Empire.

After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal Empire entered a period of decline, with weaker rulers losing territory.

The decline accelerated in the 18th century, culminating in the sacking of Delhi by Persian conqueror Nadir Shah and territorial losses to the British.

Transcripts

- [Instructor] As we've talked about in other videos,

by the time we get into the 15th century,

Timur's Persia and central Asia has been fragmented.

You have many of Timur's descendants with their own

kingdoms, especially in central Asia.

In 1483, in the central Asian city of Andijan,

now part of eastern Uzbekistan, you have one of Timur's

grandson's great-grandson's born Babur

and at the age of 12, Babur takes the throne of Fergana

after the death of his father.

Now over the next few decades, he tries to consolidate

control, he tries to take control of Samarkand,

loses control and then of Fergana,

keeps repeatedly losing control.

Early in the 16th century, he is able to take Kabul

and then decides to focus on India instead of central Asia.

In 1526, famously with the use of cannons,

which had not been used in a significant way

in the Indian subcontinent until that time,

Babur was able to defeat Ibraham Lodi of the Delhi sultanate

and come to power in northern India and you can see

in this blue gray color, this is the territory that Babur

was able to rule over until his death in 1530.

Moghul is the Persian word for Mongol.

Remember, Babur is a descendant of Timur,

who is a Turko-Mongolian conqueror.

On his mother's side, he claims descendancy

from Gengis Khan, but Persian is the language of his court

and so it significantly increases the Persian influence

in North Indian culture.

After his death, his son Humayun comes to power.

Humayun has difficult retaining power.

He has various family rivalries to contend with

and eventually he is dethroned by the Pashtun Suri dynasty.

He goes to the Safavids and with their help,

is able to retake control but then trips on stairs and dies

and then his son Akbar comes to power.

Now Akbar is perhaps most famous

of all of the Moghul rulers.

As you can see, he is able to rule over India for some time.

As just mentioned, Humayan essentially had to reconquer,

retake the throne and his hold on power was relatively weak.

But now Akbar is able to expand the territory

that you see in this light purple mauve color.

He's able to increase the central authority and perhaps most

importantly, he tries to unify India culturally.

The Moghuls are Muslim and are relatively tolerant

up through Akbar and to some degree, Jahangir,

of other religions, but Akbar takes

a very pluralistic approach.

He's famous for holding court with religious scholars

throughout the empire and even trying to merge

the religions, creating what some would consider

a religion of his own that would later be called

Din-i-Illahi, the religion of god.

Many Jain and Hindu principles appealed to him.

He becomes a vegetarian, he bans the slaughtering of cows.

At his death in 1605, his son Jahangir comes to power.

Historians consider Jahangir to be relatively tolerant

like Akbar and to continue the interest in the sciences

and the arts that you saw in the Moghul court under Akbar

but he's a little bit more controversial.

As we talked about in the Sikhism video,

he famously tortures and executes Guru Arjan.

Some would say it was because Guru Arjan

was siding with Jahangir's son, who was trying to rebel.

Others would say that it was because Guru Arjan

was getting a following in Punjab and that Jahangir

was insecure of his own hold on power

and decided to execute Guru Arjan.

But he is succeeded by his son, Shah Jahan,

who becomes decisively less tolerant.

His reign, however, is known as the golden age

of Moghul architecture, with the crowning achievement,

arguably, the Taj Mahal, which is a mausoleum that he

commissions in the 1630s to house the body of his dead wife.

As you can see here, it's housed in Agra

and Agra and Delhi at various points

during the Moghul empire are the capital,

there's a few moments when it is at Lahore.

He is eventually imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb.

Aurangzeb is considered a very strong

and authoritarian ruler.

You can see here that he is able to expand the territory

of the Moghul empire well into South India.

At its maximum extent, the Moghul empire is now rivaling

the amount of territory that was controlled

by the Moria empire, roughly 2000 years before this time.

Despite being the last truly strong Moghul emperor,

he's also known as the least tolerant of the emperors.

After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707,

he's succeeded by weaker and weaker Moghul rulers.

The 18th century, you see a significant decline

in the power of the Moghuls, the territory they have.

Delhi is famously sacked by Nadir Shah,

the Persian conqueror.

As we get into the second half of the 18th century,

the British are able to chip away more and more and more

territory, not just from the Moghuls,

but from other Indian rulers as well,

which we will see in future videos.