Basic Info(Q1+Q2)

What is it?

The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur in the 1520s, became the largest and most organized state in the Indian subcontinent by the 1600s. The Mughals established a centralized administration, blending Persian culture with Indian traditions. They ruled over a diverse population, creating a stable empire that lasted for several centuries.

Where is it?

Very vast empire, 750,000 square miles. Geology: Ranging from the frontier with Central Asia in northern Afghanistan to the northern uplands of the Deccan plateau, and from the Indus basin on the west to the Assamese highlands in the east. (Stein)

need map picture

3. What made them powerful?

Ideas mostly from J.F. Richard

%%- strong military force -> imperial peace and strong government-> stable environment for trade -> economy boosts

• revenue system, persuade armed warrior-aristocrats into quasi-officials

• rising productivity + acceptable tax -> boost economy + sufficient government revenue

• inclusive imperial system -> new blood from lower level + non-muslims%%

0. Strong Military Force

   • The Mughal Empire maintained a formidable military, which ensured imperial peace and a strong government. This stability created a conducive environment for trade, leading to economic prosperity.
   • For instance, under ==Akbar==’s reign, the empire expanded significantly, securing territories and establishing control over trade routes. (“Mughal Empire”)
   • The Mughals, starting with Babur, employed advanced military tactics, including superior cavalry and the effective use of artillery. (“Mughal Empire”)

1. Revenue System and Administrative Reforms

   • The Mughals implemented an efficient revenue system that integrated armed warrior-aristocrats into quasi-official roles. This system, known as the mansabdari system, ensuring loyalty, smooth governance, and efficient tax collection.
   • Additionally, Akbar’s establishment of a centralized bureaucracy and the division of the empire into provinces (subahs) with appointed governors (subahdars) ensured efficient administration.

2. Rising Productivity and Acceptable Taxation

   • The Mughal administration promoted agricultural productivity and imposed reasonable taxes, while balancing them with military expansion, which boosted the economy and ensured sufficient government revenue.
   • Akbar’s Dahsala system is a prime example, where land revenue was assessed based on average crop production over ten years.

3. Inclusive Policies

   • The Mughal Empire’s inclusive policies allowed for the incorporation of new blood from lower levels of society and non-Muslims into the administration.
   • Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal tolerance) promoted religious harmony, included Hindus in high-ranking positions, and protected Hindu Temples. This inclusivity fostered loyalty and reduced internal conflicts.

4. Cultural Patronage and Infrastructure Development

   • The Mughals were great patrons of art and culture, which helped in solidifying their rule and creating a rich cultural legacy.
   • Akbar’s court, for example, supported literature, music, and painting, leading to the development of the Mughal school of painting.
   • Additionally, the construction of roads, forts, and irrigation systems facilitated trade and agriculture, contributing to economic prosperity. The Grand Trunk Road, which was expanded and maintained by the Mughals, is a notable example.

5. Diplomacy and Alliances

   • The Mughals skillfully used diplomacy and alliances to strengthen their empire.
   • Marriages with Rajput princesses and alliances with regional rulers helped in securing loyalty and expanding their influence.

4. Main reasons of the eventual Decline

Mostly ideas from Chandra. - Too large territory - According to Bipan Chandra, the current ‘means of communication and the economic and political structure’ was not able to assist the administration over this vast land. - Various Conflicts - Suppress of Shivaji and other Maratha sardars - ‘drained’ the empire’s resources and destroyed the industry and trade of the Deccan. - Aurangzeb failure to stay in the North caused deterioration of administration, leading to: - ‘neglect of the vital north-west frontier’(Chandra) - local and provincial officials disobey of authority(John) - Wars with the Rajput rajas - further weakened the empire and encouraged separation - ==Wars of succesion== - destructive and violent, causing great casulty and property loss - Strengthen of local powers(nobilities and local chiefs) - Foreign Invasions - Attacks by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali - British - Poor Administration - there is no ‘able, farsighted, and energetic rulers had appeared on the throne’ (in an autonomy empire, this is crucial) - deteriorated character of nobility(educated poorly, ‘ease-loving’, luxury) - blocked the lower classes from leveling up to nobility - corruption and defy of authority(even disobey command from emperor), less military expenditure and more serious financial crises - Noble corrupted-> peasants suffer from high tax -> aggriculture decline -> cannot support warfare - Absence of Unity(Nationalism) - Population do not share the same cultural identiy(so they did not wish the empire) - Breakdown of military power

Differences of idea by two key historians regarding final demise

• Richards focuses more on internal fragmentation and administrative inefficiencies as the main cause of Mughal decline.
• Chandra emphasizes external pressures such as invasions, intervention and economic exploitation as key factors in the empire’s collapse.

5. relationship with the British East India Company

1. Early Diplomatic Interactions (1608-1717):

   • The EIC initially engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure trading rights and privileges within the Mughal Empire. These interactions often involved petitioning the Mughal emperors and local power-holders, similar to how Indian subjects would seek imperial favor.
   • The EIC and the Dutch East India Company (VOC) both relied on Mughal patrons to navigate the political landscape and secure commercial privileges. (Van)

2. Conflict and Siege (1689-1690):

   • The relationship took a tumultuous turn during the First Anglo-Mughal War, culminating in the 1689-1690 siege of Bombay by a Mughal general, Sidi Yakut Khan. This siege was a significant crisis for the EIC, leading to severe losses and a humiliating peace settlement.
   • The siege highlighted the precarious nature of early English settlements in India and the challenges the EIC faced both locally and back in England.(Hunt)

3. Integration into Mughal Political Framework:

   • Despite conflicts, the EIC was eventually incorporated into the Mughal political framework. The imperial government tied commercial privileges to expectations of submission and service, integrating the EIC into the domestic political structure. (Van)

Our own understanding

“生于忧患，死于安乐” ——孟子 “Adversity leads to survival, while comfort leads to death.” ——Mencius The Mughal Empire was first rose in facing various strong enemies, both internal and external. It depleted, because governing class(emperor and nobility) got used to ease and did not take their responsibilities.

“В єдності сила” “In unity, there is strength” The Mughal Empire initially thrived by respecting and uniting with local Hindus. However, in its later years, the governing class destroyed Hindu temples and excluded Hindus from the imperial system, leading to the empire’s decline.