Central Texas Model United Nations 2016
Background Guide:
1556 The Mughal Empire
Letter to the Delegates:
Dear delegates,
My name is Saniya Walawalkar and I am a second year student double majoring in Design and
Art History here at The University of Texas at Austin. This is my first year directing a crisis and I
am really looking forward to working with you all to see how this plays out. Through your
preparation for this crisis, I hope you are able to broaden your knowledge of world history
beyond the basics of American and European history, and understand how other major empires
operated. Feel free to send any questions my way at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Saniya Walawalkar
Dear Delegates,
I am a first year computer science major here at the University of Texas at Austin. You may
recognize me as the Director of last years Russia Red Army Committee or as a Crisis Staffer
running around at HAMUN 41. The Mughals are not a very well known empire, but were very
crucial in uniting a large portion of India under a Muslim dynasty. The Mughals paved the way
for a huge blend of cultures, laid the foundations for a centralized state in India, and created
much of to the architecture and languages seen in India today. The empire would be the last
unification of India until the modern state of India, and you must help its greatest leader take
the reigns of power and establish himself as Padshah (emperor) of India, or fall to internal strife
or the legions of steppe nomads that the Mughals fled to India from! If you have any questions
about the committee, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Sincerely,
Ali Taqvi
Introduction
The Mughal Empire, situated in northern India,
was one of the three major Islamic empires (or
gunpowder empires) during its time. The empire rose to
the apex of its power under the rule of Abu'l-Fath Jalal
ud-din Muhammad Akbar, also known as Akbar the
Great. Despite ascending the throne at a young age,
Akbar grew to be a just and beloved ruler. Although he
persecuted Shia Muslims in his early adulthood, he
became known for being a very tolerant emperor,
allowing Hindus, Jains, and Muslims (Shia and Sunni)
alike to practice their faiths in peace, even going to far
as to enforce no-meat days to respect the local Hindu
and Jain customs.
Akbar’s actions and decisions were greatly
influenced by his council of ministers and Navrathnas
(or nine jewels) who gave him sage advice in matters of
the court, his people, and in foreign affairs. With their
help, he succeeded in uniting the tribes in northern
India and in earning their trust and loyalty. Akbar led
most of his campaigns of conquest himself, but did have
a handful of generals that were key aids in helping
expand his far-reaching empire as it grew to span across
the peninsula.
Babur and the First Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire was established by Babur, a direct descendant of Timur on his
father’s side and a descendant of Genghis Khan on his mother’s side. The Timurid Empire was
established in a bloody invasion of Persia and Central Asia by Timur Lang. It would fragment
into several kingdoms after his death and be reunited under two strong members of the dynasty,
the last of whom would be Babur. Babur came to rule at age 11 and was constantly engaged in
wars with many of his neighbors, who ironically were also his relatives. He was dethroned for
quite an extended period of time after his brief rule as a child, but was able to reunite the lands
of central Asia under his rule for a few years later on before being invaded by the Uzbek tribes of
the region who would establish the Bukharan Khanate. Babur would then give up attempting to
establish an Empire in such a conflict-ridden region, secured his stronghold in the Timurid
stronghold city of Kabul, and turn his attentions to an enticing land to the south: Hindustan.
Babur began his campaign in 1524 with the goal of taking control of the Punjab region,
which had been ruled by his ancestor, Timur. The current rulers of northern India at the time
were the great Lodi dynasty. Fortunately for Babur, the dynasty was crumbling with much
infighting occurring between claimants to the throne. Taking advantage of this chaos, Babur was
able to ally with some of the pretenders, Daulat Lodi and Alam Khan, and seize the Punjab from
those loyal to the current sultan for himself. In 1526, Babur directly challenged the Lodi Sultan,
Ibrahim, and was able to destroy his numerically superior army, soundly routing them in the
First Battle of Panipat. He seized Delhi and Agra and formally claimed the title of Sultan of
India, setting the foundation for the rise of
the great Mughal Empire. Rana Sanga, Raja
of the Rajput people to the east of Delhi,
then challenged Babur’s rule, claiming that
an “outsider” could not rule India, but was
swiftly defeated by Babur’s cannon and guntoting armies. Babur would expand towards
Patna in the east and towards the south into
Mewar, before his death in 1530. In its early
days, the Mughal Empire was composed of
a conglomerate of small tribes from the
Timurid/Mughal dynasty, Afghan tribes
which had also moved into the region, and
local tribes in the northern parts of the
Indian subcontinent. These groups would
play a key rule after Babur’s death, when his
significantly weaker son would take the
throne.
Humayun the “Perfect Man” and
the Sur Empire
Humayun, the eldest son of Babur,
inherited the Indian Mughal Empire at the
age of 25 (his brother and future rival,
Kamran Mirza, would inherit the
stronghold of Kabul, modern Afghanistan).
He had very little experience in military matters and was a fairly poor ruler. Humayun would
immediately be forced to deal with brothers and relatives who revolted against his rule. He also
had a reputation of being very peaceful and forgiving towards the Central Asian people(at least
by their standards). Most famously, he would honor his father’s words by “doing no harm to his
brothers, even though they may deserve it” when he forgave his brother Hindal for abandoning
him in battle, fleeing to Agra, and declaring himself emperor. Humayun would defeat a major
threat posed by the Raja of Gujarat, Bahadur, in the south early in his rule but would face
continued resistance from the Raja who fled to Portuguese Goa after being defeated. To the east
of the Humayun’s empire was the realm of Sher Shah Suri, a local ruler of Afghan (Pashtun)
descent. Sher Shah was a brilliant military tactician and was able to destroy the Mughal armies
at every step, pushing them back from Agra to Delhi and to Lahore. Humayun tried to deal with
the conqueror by begging him to leave Punjab to the Mughals, but to no avail. Thus the Mughal
Empire was briefly interrupted by the rise of the Sur Empire. Humayun would then attempt to
find refuge and aid from his brother, Kamran Mirza, in Kabul but would be refused.
For the next year, Humayun took refuge in the court of Shah Tahmasp of the Safavid
Dynasty. During this time, he gained favor with the Shah, forged alliances in the Sindh region
(where Kabul, Kandahar and Punjab were) and begin to raise forces to take back the Mughal
territories from his brothers. He was given a formidable force by the Shah to recapture Kabul
and Kandahar and did exactly this by 1545. He would continue to fight his brother, Kamran
Mirza, for several years afterwards until he would finally capture and exile him to Arabia.
In 1554, a unique opportunity would present itself in the form of the disintegration of the
Sur dynasty. The death of Sher Shah Suri in 1545 and the death of his son, Islam Shah, in 1554
would create many claimants for the throne to the empire. Humayun gathered his allies and his
own forces and marched against the Sur armies squabbling for the right to rule over India. He
would manage to secure Agra and Delhi from several of the claimants with the help of his
trusted general, Bairam Khan. Unfortunately, several months later in the capital city of Agra,
Humayun would fall down the stairs and die, leaving Akbar, his 13 year old son, to take the
throne.
Current Situation/Challenges
●
●
We pick up in 1556 when Akbar becomes emperor with
Bairam Khan as the regent. The Mughal Dynasty is currently in
control of Agra and Delhi, two major cities in central, north India,
as well as Kabul, Lahore and Kandahar. The Sur dynasty still has a
few members that have very small armies in the surrounding
regions, but may still pose a threat to the now weakened Mughals.
Other key facts include:
● The Mughals recently defeated Hemu and the Sur army in
the Second Battle of Panipat, destroying many of the Sur forces.
● The Mughal Empire is currently occupying Delhi and Agra,
two major strongholds in North India. Kabul and Kandahar
however are relatively undefended.
●
Local rulers and peoples, Rajputs and Rajasthanis, are fairly
wary of Mughal rule and are not yet in support or against Akbar.
At the time of Akbar's ascension in 1556, the Portuguese had established several
fortresses and factories on the western coast of the subcontinent, and largely controlled
navigation and sea-trade in the Indian Ocean. As a consequence of this
colonialism, all other trading entities were subject to the terms and conditions of the
Portuguese, and this was resented by the rulers and traders of the time, including the
Ottomans.
During the early part of his reign, Akbar adopted an attitude of suppression towards
Muslim sects that were condemned by the orthodoxy as heretical. Conflict with the
Shia Safavid Empire, and Hindu residents of India (not yet the well liked religiously
tolerant emperor we all know and love).
●
●
While Akbar consolidates his rule over northern India, the Safavid emperor,
Tahmasp I, sends forces to take over Kandahar and expel its Mughal governor, since
Humayun had promised him the city in exchange for Persian support.
Domestic issues with taxations, religious toleration, diplomacy with minor Rajas in
surrounding lands such as Malwa and Gujarat.
Characters
Raja Birbal: Birbal or formally known as Raja Birbal (real name Mahesh Das) is a loyal advisor
and poet in Akbar’s court, and is one of Akbar’s Navrathnas. Birbal is a Hindu Brahmin and
helps Akbar learn about Hinduism, while learning about Islam himself. This makes him a key
intermediary between the two religions. Birbal is known to have a way with words and is sent on
trips to foster relationships within and without the Mughal Empire.
Faizi: Faizi or Shaikh Abu al-Faiz ibn Mubarak is a renowned poet and contributor to the world
of Science and Literature. He is well versed in Sanskrit, Persian, and Latin, making him a
excellent host for foreign diplomats visiting the Mughal Court. He is the royal tutor to Akbar’s
three sons, Salim (Jahangir), Murad, and Daniyal, and was named one of Akbar’s Navrathnas.
Todar Mal: Todar Mal is also one of Akbar’s Navrathnas and also the finance minister of
Akbar’s court. Todar Mal is from the Katri community in Punjab. He has also had military
experience under previous rulers of the region. A lot of his experience and expertise were
developed under Sher Shah Suri. Under Akbar’s new regime, he aims to organize the revenue
system to finance the royal and military expenses.
Man Singh I: Raja Man Singh is the Rajah of Amber (present day Jaipur). He is a trusted
military general in Akbar’s court and one of the Navrathnas. He is a devout Hindu, specifically a
disciple of the god Krishna.
Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana: Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana is one of the main ministers of
Akbar’s court, and a renowned poet. He has written numerous books on Astrology and Poetry
which are well liked throughout the empire. Rahim is the son of Bairam Khan, the regent during
Akbar’s youth. Rahim was given a parcel of land that contributed to the royal revenue, and
supplied trained men for the royal army. He also transcribed the majority of Mughal History
from Babur onwards.
Fakir Aziao-Din: Fakir Aziao-Din is one of Akbar’s most trusted advisors. Akbar held his
suggestions in high esteem. Fakir is a Sufi mystic and purist who gives Akbar religious advice
and guidance in matters of religious diplomacy. He is inclined to favor decisions that restrict the
practice of non-Islamic faiths. Fakir is also one of Akbar’s Navrathnas.
Tansen: Mian Tansen is a talented Classical Indian musician, instrumentalist, and vocalist in
Akbar’s court. He is given the title “Mian” by Akbar, which means “learned man”, and was also
later named one of the Navrathnas. Originally named Ramtanu Mishra ji, Tansen is born to a
wealthy Brahmin family. Tansen helps contribute to Akbar’s goal of having an “audible”
presence in the empire.
Hamida Banu Begum: Hamida Banu Begum is the widow of Humayun, and mother of Akbar.
She was born to a Persian Shia family in Umerkot, Sindh. Hamida was Humayun’s second wife.
Her marriage to Humayun gave him access to a large Shia army. She also accompanied her
husband when he fled from Sher Shah Suri, leaving a very young Akbar in Kabul. Hamida is a
voice of reason in cases regarding peace between Sunni and Shia sects in the Mughal Empire.
Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak: Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak is the vizir during Akbar’s reign. He kept
record of court events and exchanges. Abu’l-Fazl was sent to Ahmedabad, Agra and many more
cities to further his religious and worldly education. This also allowed him to make many
renowned friends in important cities and regions in the Islamic empires. is also the brother of
Faizi, and one of the Navrathnas.
Seydi Ali Reis: Seydi Ali Reis is Commander of the Ottoman Indian Ocean Fleet and is leading
a grand expedition to explore the kingdoms of the region and bring back information and news
from the lands of East Africa, Arabia, Persia and India. He lands in India in 1554 and travels to
central India, where he meets both Humayun and his son Akbar. He remains a guest of
Humayun for a time and is offered a position as a commander in the Mughal army (or future
navy) if he remains. Seydi told the Mughals of the great Ottoman Empire and of its ruler,
Suleiman the Magnificent. He is a brilliant tactician and writer, writing some of the best works
on maritime matters and a fascinating account of the kingdoms he has visited so far.
Francisco Barreto: Francisco Barreto is a Portuguese explorer and soldier, and the viceroy of
Portuguese Asia. There is no documented contact between Francisco Barreto and Akbar, but for
the purpose of this crisis, he serves as an envoy on behalf of the Portuguese colony. He is
attempting to open up trade relations with the Mughal Empire due to the direct connection to
the Silk Route stretching from China to Istanbul and into Europe.
General Ramaiyya: Is one of Hemu’s most notable generals during the Second Battle of
Panipat. He commanded large forces when he served in Hemu’s army. In this crisis, he is alive
and well, and is appointed as one of the generals in Akbar’s army due to his experience; but
because of his past relations, he is closely watched by those loyal to Akbar.
Shadi Khan Kakkar: Shadi Khan Kakkar worked alongside General Ramaiyya. He
commanded large forces and was known for his cunning strategies on the battlefield. He is the
Afghan governor from Sambhal. Like Ramaiyya, he is also closely watched, although his political
ties in Afghan serve some use in Akbar’s foreign plans.
Bharamail Kachwaha: Bharamail Kachwaha of the Kachwaha caste group is the Raja of the
Rajput clan. He is formally recognized as Raja and became part of Mughal nobility when he gave
one of his daughters to Akbar’s harem. In order to avoid further conflict in his region, Bharamail
decided to fight among the ranks of the Mughal army while a regent is appointed to oversee his
territory. Although he has pledged loyalty to the Mughals, his actions are taken to ensure the
prosperity of his land.
Sikandar Shah: Sikandar Shah is the last ruler of the Sur dynasty, and was defeated by
Humayun’s army in 1555. Although he has been stripped of his title and kingdom, he still serves
as a nuisance to Akbar. Despite that, he is attempting to form diplomatic relations with the
Mughals for the sake of his kingdom (or what remains of it).
Tardi Baig Khan: Tardi Baig Khan is the regent of Delhi and a Mughal commander. He also
served Humayun, accompanying the emperor when he fled. Tardi Baig is not well liked,
especially by Bairam Khan. Despite his questionable actions, precedent proves that he has been
loyal to the Mughal rulers.
Adham Khan: Adham Khan is the younger foster brother of Akbar although he is treated like a
real brother. He is a military commander in the Mughal army. Khan shadows Bairam Khan in
matters of military strategy and training. Adham Khan is known for his questionable and
irrational behaviour although Akbar tends to overlook these infractions due to their
relationship.
Rostam Mirza: Rostam Mirza is an exiled Safavid prince. For this timeline crisis, assume that
he came to the Mughal court in 1555. He pledged his allegiance to the Mughals and was
appointed commander of a large cavalry unit soon after. Although relocated and cut off from his
people, Rostam Mirza still has people loyal to him in the Safavid empire.
Salim Chishti: Salim Chishti is another Sufi mystic who greatly influenced Akbar. Salim is a
very close friend to Akbar and his family. Akbar even builds the city of Fatehpur Sikri around
Chishti’s residence, and relocates his court there. Chishti also consults Akbar in matters of
religious tolerance towards Sunni Islam, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Pierre Malherbe: Pierre Malherbe is a French explorer who visited India while
circumnavigating the world. For the sake of this crisis, we may assume that he was born in 1526
to fit him into the timeline. He serves as a foreign diplomat who is a guest in Mughal courts for
an undetermined length of time.