Civilization · 1526 – 1857
Mughal Empire
The Timurid empire of Babur, Akbar and Aurangzeb that ruled most of India for three centuries.
Capital: Agra, Delhi · South Asia
Overview
Founded by Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, the Mughal Empire fused Persian, Central Asian and Indian traditions into one of the wealthiest and most artistically productive states in early modern history.
Timeline
- 1526Babur wins the First Battle of Panipat
- 1556 – 1605Reign of Akbar the Great
- 1632 – 1653Construction of the Taj Mahal
- 1658 – 1707Reign of Aurangzeb; empire at greatest extent
- 1739Nader Shah's sack of Delhi
- 1857Last emperor Bahadur Shah II exiled by the British
Rulers
Founder
Religious tolerator, administrative genius
Builder of the Taj Mahal
Expanded and overstretched the empire
Wars & conflicts
- Battles of Panipat
- Deccan Wars
- Mughal-Maratha wars
Architecture
Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Humayun's Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid.
Religion
Sunni Islam with major Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Christian populations.
Economy
One-quarter of world GDP at its peak, exporting cotton textiles, indigo and spices.
Technology
Musket infantry, artillery, waterworks, papermaking.
Art
Mughal miniature painting, calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, jewel-set weaponry.
Influence
Shaped South Asian art, cuisine, language (Urdu) and law.
Decline
Overextension under Aurangzeb, Maratha and Sikh resistance, and British colonial encroachment.
Key sites
- Taj Mahal
- Red Fort
- Humayun's Tomb
- Fatehpur Sikri
- Lahore Fort