History & Civics
Discuss the contributions of Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb in consolidating the Mughal Empire. Highlight the key military, administrative, and cultural policies each ruler implemented to strengthen the empire.
Mughal Empire
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The contributions of Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb in consolidating the Mughal Empire are given below:
Babur (CE 1526–1530)
- Military: Babur established the Mughal Empire by defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat (1526) and winning subsequent battles against Rana Sanga, Medini Rai, and the Afghans.
- Administrative: He laid the foundation for Mughal rule but had a short reign, with limited administrative reforms.
- Cultural: Babur was a scholar and patron of the arts, writing his memoir Tuzuk-i-Baburi and fostering a love for nature and poetry.
Akbar (CE 1556–1605)
- Military: Akbar expanded the empire from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal. He defeated Hemu at the Second Battle of Panipat (1556) and annexed regions like Deccan and Rajasthan.
- Administrative: Introduced the Mansabdari System, reformed the revenue system, and promoted religious tolerance.
- Cultural: Akbar’s reign saw flourishing arts, literature, and architecture. He patronized Navaratnas, abolished the Jizyah tax, and encouraged education for all.
Aurangzeb (CE 1658–1707)
- Military: Aurangzeb expanded the empire to its greatest size but engaged in prolonged, costly campaigns in the Deccan and faced resistance from Marathas and Rajputs.
- Administrative: Reversed Akbar’s religious tolerance, reintroduced the Jizyah, and focused on maintaining control through military might.
- Cultural: Less a patron of culture, Aurangzeb focused on orthodox Islamic policies, which led to religious and cultural tensions.
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Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, founded the Mughal Empire after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526). His campaigns in Khanwa, Chanderi, and Ghagra secured his rule in North India. Babur's legacy extends beyond conquest, as seen in his autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Baburi. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
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(b) How do Babur's conquests reflect his military strategies and ability to deal with diverse opponents like Afghans, Rajputs, and regional rulers?
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Read the following excerpt and answer the question's that follow:
"Akbar (born October 15? , 1542, Umarkot [now in Sindh province, Pakistan]—died c. October 25, 1605, Agra, India) was the greatest of the Mughal emperors of India. He reigned from 1556 to 1605 and extended Mughal power over most of the Indian subcontinent. In order to preserve the unity of his empire, Akbar adopted programmes that won the loyalty of the non-Muslim populations of his realm."
(Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mughal-dynasty)
(a) Discuss the significance of the Second Battle of Panipat in securing Akbar's rule. How did this battle pave the way for the expansion of the Mughal Empire.
(b) How did Akbar's relations with the Rajputs strengthen the Mughal Empire? Discuss his alliances and their long-term impact.
(c) Discuss the social and educational reforms of Akbar.