View source for Mughal Empire

{{#seo:
|title=Mughal Empire – Art, Administration, and Legacy
|description=Explore the rise, golden age, administration, art, and decline of the Mughal Empire, one of the most influential dynasties in South Asian history.
|keywords=Mughal Empire, Babur, Akbar, Shah Jahan, Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal, Mughal administration, India history
|image=Taj_Mahal_seen_from_Meenakshi_Garden.jpg
}}
'''Mughal Empire''' (1526–1857) was a powerful Turco-Mongol dynasty that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent. It was founded by [[Babur]] after his victory at the First Battle of [[Panipat]] and reached its peak under rulers like [[Akbar]], [[Jahangir]], and [[Shah Jahan]]. The empire was known for centralized governance, Persianized culture, and remarkable architecture.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mughal-dynasty Mughal dynasty – Britannica]</ref>

== Administration and Economy ==
The Mughals established a highly organized administration:
* '''Akbar''' introduced the '''Mansabdari system''' to classify military and civil officers.
* Revenue reforms such as the '''Zabt system''' standardized land taxes.
* A unified currency system with the '''rupee''' and '''mohur''' boosted trade and economy.
* The Mughal economy contributed nearly 25% of global industrial output in the 17th century.<ref>[https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/history/the-mughal-empire/ The Mughal Empire – StudySmarter]</ref>

== Art and Architecture ==
Mughal art flourished through:
* Monumental buildings like the [[Taj Mahal]], [[Red Fort]], and [[Fatehpur Sikri]].
* Development of Mughal miniature painting, especially under '''Jahangir'''.
* Integration of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.

== Religious and Cultural Policies ==
* Under '''Akbar''', religious tolerance was practiced. He abolished '''Jizya''' and initiated dialogues among faiths through '''Din-i Ilahi'''.
* '''Aurangzeb''', however, reversed many liberal policies, reimposed '''Jizya''', and led a more orthodox rule.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aurangzeb Aurangzeb – Britannica]</ref>

== Decline and Fall ==
* Post-Aurangzeb, the empire weakened due to internal conflicts and external invasions.
* Attacks by [[Nadir Shah]] and [[Ahmad Shah Abdali]] devastated its core.
* The [[East India Company]] gradually overtook the empire, and after the [[Revolt of 1857]], it was officially dissolved by the British.

== Legacy ==
The Mughal legacy remains alive in:
* Architectural wonders like the '''Taj Mahal''' (UNESCO site)
* Influence on language (e.g., Urdu), cuisine, art, and literature
* Modern debates on their place in Indian history and textbooks<ref>[https://time.com/6269349/india-textbook-changes-controversy-hindu-nationalism/ India’s Textbook Changes – TIME]</ref>

== See Also ==
* [[Babur]]
* [[Akbar]]
* [[Shah Jahan]]
* [[Aurangzeb]]
* [[Mughal architecture]]
* [[Indian history]]
* [[British Raj]]

== References ==
<references/>

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