Mughal India

Agenda1. Bell Ringer: What is an achievement of the Ottoman

Empire?2. Lecture: Safavid Empire and Mughal India3. Taj Mahal and Mughal Art, an interpretation of an Empire.4. The Good, The Bad, and the Leaders of the Mughal

Empire.5. Ottoman vs. Safavid vs. Mughal6. Test Review/Policy regarding correction. 7. Mughal Dynasty Video

HW: Quick Quiz on Mughal, Ottoman, and Safavid Empires

Rough time in India

• From 1000 AD through 1600 AD, ruled by the Mongols, over 33 sultans of Turkish origin, and, Timur the Lame showed up…

• “not a bird moved in the city” for 2 months.

• 1494, a kid changes everything.

Babur

• 11 years old when he took power.– Elders attempted to keep

him out, but he built an army and took over.

• Strong, benevolent ruler.• He would quell any fear

before going into battle.• Unfortunately, son lost all

territory.

Akbar (1556-1605)• Grandson of Babur• Allowed religious freedom.• Taxation based on value of the

crops.• Anyone could reach a high

level office.– Even conquered people.

• Militarily strong, used cannons like the Ottomans.

• Hindi and Urdu local language.• Akbarnamah • Architecture, intricate

stonework with Hindu themes.

Jahanjir and the wife “Nur Jahan” (1605-1632)

• Jahanjir, son of Akbar• Nur Jahan was the wife, and

had the power.• Brilliant Politician, enjoyed

tiger hunting and writing poetry.

• Original heir Khusrau, but he rebelled at the thought of one religion in India.

• Khusrau would turn to the Sikh’s for support. Nur Jahan would have them killed.

Shah Jahan(1632-1657)• Brother of Khusrau, and son

of Nur Jahan.• Secured the throne through

assassination.• Taj Mahal constructed for

his wife, who died in childbirth.

• Extravagance does not filter to peasants, who were very poor. Famine was common.

• When he becomes ill, his son seizes power and puts Shah Jahan in prison.

Aurangzeb (1658-1707)• Ruled from 1658-1707.• Expanded the empire, but it

became weaker over time.• Oppression common,

– No drinking, gambling, and only one religion.

• Censors were used to keep people in line.

• Additional taxes for non-Muslim populations.

• Enemies are everywhere.– Repeated attacks exhaust

resources.

Image Interpretation• What is portrayed in

the following image? • What does this say

about the Mughal Dynasty?

How does this building symbolize the Mughal Dynasty?