A Short Note on the History of Mughals

Abstract
The Mughal dynasty’s reign over India for 200 years left an indelible mark on history, beginning
with Babar’s invasion in the 16th century and culminating with Aurangzeb’s rule. Babar’s military
prowess and cultural contributions laid the foundation for a lavish court system and architectural
marvels. Successors like Humayun faced challenges, while Akbar’s reign saw military conquests
and alliances with Rajput princesses. Jahangir and Shah Jahan furthered the empire’s cultural and
architectural achievements, with the latter immortalizing his love for Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj
Mahal. However, familial strife and Aurangzeb’s orthodox policies eventually led to the decline
of the Mughal Empire, paving the way for British colonization.

The Mughal Empire

Mughal dynasty ruled over India for 200 years and with its rule astonished the whole world. It all
began with the invasion of great conquerors, such as Alexander the Great, Genghiz Khan and
Tamburline, into this region through mountainous region where Khyber Pass, a gateway from
Afghanistan to riches of India, is located. Armies of conqueror contributed their bit to the racial
mix in this region. In 16th century Babar who was a buccaneer with Royal blood and successor of
Genghiz Khan and Tamburline invaded India and laid foundation of Great Mughal Empire. This
kingdom astounded Europeans with its lavish court system, exquisite paintings and buildings.
Babar’s father had small kingdom who died when Babar was 11. Babar won great loyalty and his
followers increased in number making him conquer Qabul at age of 21 in 1504. Babar was a keen
poet and gardener. He did not indulge in Persian pleasure which later on was brought into India
by his family. Regime based on military power needs continuous conquest to gain territory and
wealth to maintain control and so, was demonstrated in whole Mughal era. Invention of Muskets
made real increment in strength of Babar. He with his elephants and musketeers victoriously
moved through Delhi to Agra and from there won Koh-e-Noor. Babar was inspired by great labor
force, profusion and colors of India. In 1528, he moved to Gwalior where he was impressed by
palace embellished with tiles and stonework. India lacked cool streams so, he improved the water
flow wherever he moved. Babar tried to unite Hindus and Muslims with his Din-e-Elahi. He wrote
a diary with all information of his reign. He died at 47 and succeeded by Humayun who was
charming, sentimental and superstitious person. He lost control over India in 10 years and had to
take refuge in desert. In 1556, he died slipping from stairs which lead to political crisis as his son
Akbar was only 13 years old soldier far from home. Akbar was set on throne with great challenges
from rivalries. He reconquered Delhi and expressed his victory by making monument of heads.
He made his way through Rajasthan by marrying princesses from Rajput and making alliance with
them. From Rajput, Mughals got officers and in turn gave peace. Akbar faced resistance by Ranas
who did not made alliance with Mughals. Akbar’s reign was recorded by writer Abdul Fazal who
was murdered for political reasons by Jahangir, Akbar’s son, who succeeded the throne. At this
stage Mughal empire went through great bloodshed for succession. Jahangir was a keen observer
specifically of rituals and uncovered myth of bottomless Pushkar Lake. He was first one to inherit
stable empire. He flourished art to another level, formed imperial studio. He wrote his diary
which outlined all his habits including his addiction of alcohol. In his reign, in 1615 British
ambassador came who tried to have trade agreement with emperor but could not succeed
because of Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir who ruled from Harem. Many remarkable monuments
were built in this time. Jahangir was succeeded by Shah Jahan after great family violence. Shah
Jahan had a love marriage with Mumtaz Mahal, niece of Noor Jahan. Shah Jahan after great
adversaries finally had a family reunion at red fort after which, 3 years later, Mumtaz died giving
birth to 14th child. Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal, to honor his dead wife, which is combination of
Persian and Indian-Muslim architecture. Shah Jahan handed throne to Dara Shikoh which was
envied by younger brothers Aurangzeb and Murad Bakhsh. Aurangzeb took over red fort and
captured Shah Jahan. Aurangzeb with conspiracy caused death of Murad Bakhsh and Dara Shikoh
and Shah Jahan died naturally in imprisonment. Aurangzeb was last great Mughal emperor. He
tried to covert India into Orthodox Islamic society. He revived jizya tax over Hindus. He compiled
Fatawa Alamgiri. Aurangzeb was betrayed by his son Akbar but he smartly overturned the rebel.
Aurangzeb spent his last days like saint, died at 89 and was buried in a simple tomb in accordance
with holy injunctions near Aurangabad. Due to religious incentives of Aurangzeb, a discord
between Hindus and Muslims ultimately gave chance to British to slowly take over the land. Glory
of Mughal Empire died with Aurangzeb but empire in its name continued till 1857 when British
took over directly.