The Mughal Empire
(1526-1857)
Coming to Power
Akbar The Great
Akbar the Great ruled from 1556-1605, and expanded the territory to north, central, and western India. Akbar was a very firm believer in religious tolerance, and did not force non-Muslims to follow the Sharia (Islamic) law, and allowed them to freely practice their beliefs, customs, and traditions. Akbar ended discriminatory tax that had been previously paid by civilians as a religious obligation to the government. He also created a delegated form of government that set governors for every territory who would fall under his command. He also filled his court with many people of different religions and cultures, especially Hindus, allowing decisions to be made that would be accepted by everyone. Akbar was so set on religious toleration he attempted to create a new religion Din-i-ilahi or “Godism”, which was a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist teachings, and claimed himself to be a deity.
Mughal Architecture
Military
Influence of Mughals in India
Centralised government that brought together many smaller kingdoms
Delegated government with respect for human rights
Persian art and culture
Persian language mixed with Arabic and Hindi to create Urdu
Periods of great religious tolerance
A style of architecture (e.g. the Taj Mahal)
A system of education that took account of pupils' needs and culture
How the Mughals Conquered Land
Coming to an End
Sources
https://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/Mughals/mughals.html
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00islamlinks/ikram/part2_16.html
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00islamlinks/ikram/part2_16.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/mughalempire_1.shtml#top
http://www.britannica.com/topic/Mughal-dynasty
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Mughal_Empire