Summary, Glossary

Summary

• Babur founded the Mughal Empire in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of Panipat (1526). Humayun’s unsettled conditions and Sher Shah’s victory over him in the Battle of Kanauj; Sher Shah’s efficient land revenue administration; and the introduction of coin system and standardised weights and measures are dealt with in this chapter.

 • Humayun’s retrieval of the Mughal Empire and his untimely death leading to the accession of his son Akbar, with Bairamkhan as the regent, and defeating Hemu, the great general of Sur dynasty, in the Battle of Panipat (1556) are described.

• Akbar’s military conquests as well as his religious policy are explained.

• Jahangir’s disinterest in state governance leading to dominance of his wife Nur Jahan in the Mughal Court is elaborated upon.

• Shahjahan extending Mughal rule in the Deccan and the resultant conflict with Marathas are analysed.

• Aurangzeb’s conquests helped to expand the Mughal Empire, but his policies against Rajputs, Marathas and Sikhs provoked resistance from them, paving the way for its downfall.

• Mughal administration headed by the Emperor, who in turn was assisted by various officials, is described. Akbar’s Mansabdari system and the land revenue policy formulated by Raja Todar Mal according to the zabt system are examined.

• Mughals’ contributions to culture, notably to art and architecture, are highlighted.

Glossary

1. expedition: a journey undertaken with the purpose of war போர்யணம்

2. prolonged: lengthy நீண்ட

3. subdued: conquered அடடக்குதல்

4. rebellious: showing a desire to resist authority கலகக்கார

5. bestowed: awarded மதிப்ளித்ல்

6. hereditary: inheritance of a title, office, or right பாரம்பரிய

7. Enduring: lasting over a period of time நீடித் / நீடித் காலம்

References

1. Satish Chandra, History of Medieval India 800-1700, Orient Blackswan, New Delhi, 2007.

2 .J.L. Mehta, Advanced Study in the history of Medieval India: Mughal Empire, Vol. II, 1526-1707, Sterling Publishers, 2011.

3. Harbans Mukhia, The Mughals of India, Blackwell Publishing, New Delhi, 2009.

4. Abraham Eraly, The Emperors of Peacock Throne, Penguin, 2007.