RRD Cheat Sheet: Mughal
Empire
A. Babur – unites northern India in 1526
B. Akbar (1556-1605) – rules successfully by
bringing Rajputs into his administration; fostered
the arts, tolerated of many religions, fair taxes
C. Shah Jahan (1627-1658) – built the Taj Mahal;
killed by his son Aurangazeb
Shah Jahan &
D. Sikh faith developed soon afterward Mumtaz Mahal
Babur
Akbar
Rule: Mughal Empire
• North Indians = Islam
– Non believer tax
– Hindus not eligible for
government jobs
– Muslims did not follow the
caste system
• South Indians = Hindu
– Religious wars
• Din – e – Ilahi (our “failed”
conversations about religious
similarities – it is hard to do!)
• Religions cooperate?
– Marry a Hindu Princess
(Akbar)
– Abolish non-believer tax
– Appoint Hindus to
government positions
Spotlight: Taj Mahal
• Tomb, mosque, gardens, and fountains.
• Mughal craftsmen included excerpts from the Koran
and geometric designs.
• Marble and gem inlays are so precise that no joints
are visible!
Decline: Mughal Empire
• Ended with greed of Aurangzeb, who
murdered Shah Jahan
• This caused the instability that enabled a
British takeover in 1707 CE
Akbar
Shah Jahan
Aurangzeb
British East India Company
• Occupation = BEI trade monopoly
– Alliances with Rajs (princes)
• Monarchy concerned about BEI
wealth and takes control.
• British attempt to change Indian
culture & restrict farming
– Outlaw female ritual suicide
– Forced conversion to Christianity
– Require high farm tax
RESULT  1850’s Sepoy
Rebellion
• Sepoy – Indians who served in the
British army
http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/gallery/photos/21.html
The Crown Jewel (1858)
•Direct British rule via appointed
governors (British Raj)
•Hindu/Muslim princes
administered kingdoms
• no involvement in foreign
or military affairs
•British Reforms:
• Legal Reform
• Establishment of
schools/colleges for high
castes
• Emphasis on English
language and customs
The British Raj
• Main Goal was
infrastructure
improvement:
– Transportation
– Irrigation
– Schools
• Blending of Cultures
– Polo
– Cricket
– Rudyard Kipling’s
Jungle Book!
Nationalism & Self-Determination
Growth of the middle class +
Expansion of education +
Resentment of continued foreign rule =
Increasing nationalism and a desire for
independence…TO BE CONTINUED