Imperial Mughals
With the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi in the first battle of
Panipat in 1526 AD, a new era has begun in the history of
India. Mughal Babur had established the rule in Delhi, but
died before he could consolidate its conquests. His son Humayun
faced with the rise of opposition Rajputs, Afghans and kingdoms.
Afghans under Sher Shah Suri grew faster in power and established
their hold on Delhi and northern India. Sher Shah's greatness
lies in its care and concern for the public, he asked for
roads, houses built passenger and planted trees. His land
revenue administration became the basis for the later days
land revenue under administrative practices Mughals and the
British.
Humayun went into oblivion, until the birth of her son, who,
with Akbar Khan Bairam defeat Hemu, the Hindu ruler of Delhi
and restored the suzerainty over Mughal Delhi and India. Akbar's
real greatness lies in its religious tolerance and its belief
in the oneness of God. His best friends are the Rajputs, which
has helped strengthen its grip on Indian territory. As a subject
for Hindus Jizya he abolished religious freedom and gave his
people. He proposed a new religion, Din - i-Ilahi which combines
the best of all religions. His Mansabdari system rationalization
of the administration in general, the administration and the
army in particular. The Mansabdari system in addition to providing
rank and file to the administration, has brought equal opportunities
to all people, irrespective of caste or creed.
Jehengir followed Akbar to the throne of Delhi. He was a lover
of art and beauty, with himself as a painter. The gardens of
Nishat and Shalimar near Srinagar were developed by Jehengir.
His contribution to architecture is seen in the form of the
majestic tomb of Akbar to Sikandra, and Itmad-ud-daula tomb
in Agra. Shahjehan followed Jehengir, and her reign marked the
golden age in the history of medieval India. The most remarkable
is its contribution to the architecture regarded as Taj Mahal,
one of the 7 Wonders of the World. He also built Jama Masjid,
Red Fort, and reconstructed the Agra Fort. From beyond his reign,
Red Fort has become the symbol of Mughal governance and imperialism.
Shahjehan was followed by Alamgir Aurangazeb, who was an orthodox
Muslim who led a simple and austere life. His reign was marked
by wars with the first 25 years of war in northern India and
the next 25 years spent in the south of India Marathas fighting.
The wars waged during his reign, the empire ruined financially.
The vassal states disgruntled, religious and social groups revolted
against the Mughal administration. The death of Aurangazeb in
1707 began the process of disintegration of the Mughal empire
and centralized empire, and has paved the way for the rise of
the British in India. |
