Mughals Rise to Power

• In the 600s, nomads created small kingdoms in India

• By 700s, Muslims arrived and began a period of fighting with Hindus who’d been living there for centuries

• Babur, a new leader, had a powerful military and took over large sections of India

• His empire was known as Mughal because his family was related to the Mongols

Achievements of Akbar Akbar- Babur’s grandson, known for fairness and

wisdom Although Muslim, he allowed people to practice their

own religion Ended taxes on non-Muslim people, instead they are

taxed on amount of food they grow which helped peasants

Encouraged art, literature, and architecture Grew cultural blending including 2 new languages: Hindi

and Urdu (still used today in India)

Failures of Akbar

He took back land when officials died Families couldn’t inherit land Effect: People didn’t see the point in taking

care of their land

Akbar’s Successors (next rulers)

Shah Jahan- did not have religious tolerance “The Builder”-began huge building projects

including Taj Mahal- a temple honoring his wife (after she died)

Buildings required lots of money= high taxes on people

People also suffered during a famine

Akbar’s Successors (continued)

Aurangzeb- Shah Jahan’s son came into power by killing older brother and put his dad in jail

Strong Muslim, punished the Hindus- later it causes a rebellion

Brought back tax on non-Muslims

Decline of the Mughals

Aurangzeb used up the empire’s resources and money

People were not loyal to him so he lost power and respect

He let the English build a trading post and gave them rights to Bombay port

Later this move will open the doors for the next conquerors to invade