Mughal+Dynasty

The Mughal Dynasty was founded by Babur, who traced his descent to Mongal khans as well as Timur the Lame. He concentrated on military exapnsion, eventually centering his empire in India. It was run by a court and central bureacracy. Major cities included Delhi, Lahore, and Agra. Perhaps the most famous and most important Mughal leader was Akbar. He promoted religious tolerance and cooperated with Hindus. Akbar also abolished the jizya and sati. He tried to spread a new religion, Din-i-Ilahi, which combined elements of many religions. Akbar tried to regulate alcohol consumption, despite the fact that his own son was known to be an alcoholic. Subsequent leaders include Jahangahir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Jahangahir and Shah Jahan were known mainly for their patronage of the arts. In fact, the Taj Mahal was created during this time. Aurangzeb was a devout Muslim, who attempted to reestablish Muslims as the primary rulers, and Islam as the central religion. Aurangzeb persecuted Hindus and reinstated the jizya. Trade was important to the Mughal Empire. In particular, the cotton textiles similar to what we still use today were sent all over the world. Similar to the warriors classes in the other gunpowder empires, town, along with their inhabitants and labor, were awarded to warriors.

Created by Becca Ellison December 8, 2008

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