Mughal Empire

Mughal Empire

Mughal Empire, pronounced MOO guhl, or Mogul Empire, ruled most of India in the 1500's and 1600's. Life in Mughal India set a standard of magnificence for its region of Asia, and the empire had peace, order, and stability. The centralized government of the empire provided a model for later rulers of India. A distinctive culture developed that blended Middle Eastern and Indian elements, and the Persian language became widely used.

Babur, a prince from what is now Afghanistan, founded the Mughal Empire in 1526. His grandson Akbar established its governmental structure. Jahangir, Akbar's son, ruled from 1605 to 1627 and was a patron of painting. His son Shah Jahan reigned from 1628 to 1658, during the height of the Mughal period. He encouraged architecture and built the famous Taj Mahal as a tomb for his wife. Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb took the throne from his father in 1658 and imprisoned Shah Jahan.

The Mughal emperors were Muslims who ruled a largely Hindu nation. Under Akbar, Hindu warriors served as Mughal generals and governors. Other Hindus were administrators and clerks. Later, Aurangzeb imposed a tax on the Hindus and destroyed many of their temples. The Mahrattas, Hindu warriors of central India, revolted and seriously weakened the empire.

The Mughal Empire began to break up soon after Aurangzeb's death in 1707. Mughals continued to rule a small kingdom at Delhi until Britain took control of India in the 1800's.

Excerpt adapted from the "Mughal Empire" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999