The Mughal Empire was founded in 1526 by Babur, who conquered Delhi. It reached its height under Akbar, who expanded the empire, instituted reforms like the mansab system, and promoted religious tolerance. Akbar encouraged debate between religious scholars and incorporated aspects of multiple faiths into a new syncretic religion. However, his grandson Aurangzeb reversed religious policies and persecuted non-Muslims, sowing conflict. The empire declined due to unrest, challenges from regional powers, and invasions like Nadir Shah's sacking of Delhi in 1739, leaving India politically fragmented.

1. The Mughal Empire

2. Founding of the Mughal Empire
 Babur founder
– Turkish decent
– Married to a descendent of Genghis Khan
 Conquers Delhi in 1526 to officially start
the empire

3. Humayun
 Succeeds his father to the throne
 Not as effective or likeable
 Rumors of opium addiction throughout his
reign
 Two decades of his reign are survived but
not plentiful

4. Akbar
 Takes the throne at age 13 and rules for 50
years
 Much more successful ruler
– Expanded empire
– Use of fire arms
– Mansabas to pay for his armies
 Illiterate
 Tolerant of religions
– One of his wives was a Hindu
 Famous for his patronage of the arts

5. Akbar
 Most illustrious ruler of the Mughal empire
 How did he differ from his Ottoman and
Safavid counterparts?
 Married a Rajput Princess who was a
Hindu and welcomed her family
 Very prosperous

6. Rajputs
 Warrior Class from northern India
 Hindu
 Approximately 15% of Mansabas
 Confirmed the policy of religious
accommodation

7. Major Differences Between
Peoples
 Religion
– Indian predominately Hindu
– Muslim minority ruling Hindu majority
– Muslim beliefs and Hindu beliefs not easily integrated
into a single society
– Need a new way of ruling a country with these kind of
differences

8. Religion
 Muslims
– Destroy Hindu monuments
– Expand into Hindu territory
– Enslaving prisoners of war and forcing
conversion to Islam
 Potentially dangerous division within the
country
 Akbar eases tensions by stopping worst of
the abuse

9. Akbar and Religion
 Declares himself the infallible messenger
of God in 1579
– Would this be allowed under Islam? Why or
why not?
– What do you believe is his main purpose for
doing this?
 Allows for cases to be heard by himself

10. New Religion?
 Akbar creates a new religion
– Mix of Muslim, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Sikh and
Christian beliefs

11. New Religion?
 What is Zoroastrianism?
– One of the worlds oldest monotheistic religion
 Ahura Mazda
– Elements are pure and fire represents gods light and
wisdom
– Focus on good works, thoughts and deeds
– Cord with three knots
– Pray facing a source of light (such as the sun)
– Keep minds, bodies, and spirits pure to defeat evil

12. New Religion?
 What is Sikhism?
– Founded in 15th century
– Practice religion by coping with everyday problems in
the world
– There is only one God
– God is without form, or gender
– Everyone has direct access to God
– Everyone is equal before God
– A good life is lived as part of a community, by living
honestly and caring for others
– Empty religious rituals and superstitions have no
value

13. New Religion?
 Akbar creates a new religion
– Mix of Muslim, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Sikh and
Christian beliefs
 Brings together scholars of all religions to
listen to them debate
 Made part of the court a religious ritual
 This did not continue after his death

14. Conversions Under Akbar
 Why would non-Muslim individuals convert
even if they were not forced to do so?

15. Economics under Akbar
 Relatively peaceful time period
– Conflict with other Indian Princes
 Booming trade in cotton cloth with the
Europeans
– Foreign trade from the port of Surat
– Most Europeans had lost control of ports and so were
seen as an ally to the Indians
 Military protection for trade rights
– No Navy of their own
 Did not understand the inflation of the silver in
Europe and the incredibly cheap price they were
giving the Europeans

16. Aurangzeb
 Overzealous grandson of Akbar
 Reversed stance on religious tolerance
– Caused conflict within his own empire
 Beheaded the 9th Guru of Sikhism
– Lead to the formation of the “Army of the
Pure”
 Religion begins to be at the center of
armed conflict within the country

17. Downfall of the Mughal Empire
 Land-Grant System
 Inability of Aurangzeb to effectively administer
the areas under his control
 Challenges to military from regional players
– Marathas
– Kikhs
– Hindu Rajputs
– Afghans
 Invaded by Nadir Shah
– General who took control after the fall of the Safavids
– Sacks Delhi and takes the throne with him

18. Limping Empire
 Officials begin breaking apart and
declaring themselves independent
 Religious groups break away and gain
their freedom and flourish
 Leaves the region susceptible to
European intrusion and conquest