Irfan Ismail
MUGHAL
RULE IN INDIA
INDIA
UNDER THE SULTANS & MUGHALS
HIST
3250 SECTION 1
ASSOC
Prof Dr. Arshad Islam
Muhammad
Irfan Bin Ismail (1514885)
INTRODUCTION
India was rule by the Muslim civilization for long time. The Mughal was the Islamic civilization that rule around early 16th century. The empire bring large impact on the India in every aspect. Before the Mughal rule over India there no specific kingdoms from other place come and conquer this place. Mughal is Muslim dynasty from Turks and Mongol that ruled most north part India. After that time it continued to exist as a considerably reduced and increasingly powerless entity until the mid-19th century. The Mughal dynasty was notable for its more than two centuries of effective rule over much of India, for the ability of its rulers, who through seven generations maintained a record of unusual talent, and for its administrative organization. A further distinction was the attempt of the Mughals, who were Muslims, to integrate Hindus and Muslims into a united Indian state.
The dynasty was founded by a Chagatai Turkic prince named Babur (1526–30), who was descended from the Turkic conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) on his father’s side and from Chagatai, second son of the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan, on his mother’s side. Ousted from his ancestral domain in Central Asia, Babur turned to India to satisfy his appetite for conquest. From his base in Kabul (Afghanistan) he was able to secure control of the Punjab region, and in 1526 he routed the forces of the Delhi sultan Ibrahim Lodī at the First Battle of Panipat. The following year he overwhelmed the Rajput confederacy under Rana Sanga of Mewar, and in 1529 he defeated the Afghans of what are now eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states. At his death in 1530 he controlled all of northern India from the Indus River on the west to Bihar on the east and from the Himalayas south to Gwalior.
Mughal
did many changes in the India kingdom. One of them is the they establish the
centralize government over many the small kingdom in India. India well know
that many group people and also small kingdom exist. Most of them Hindus
people. This is because the large territory India. Then Mughal also delegated
government with respect for human right. Even many ethnic in India they still take
care their right. Hindus can live together with Muslim. One of the interesting
is the Persian culture is mix with the India. The language of Persian mix with
Arabic and Hindi create Urdu. This language still use by some people in India
nowadays. In other part, the Mughal give great achievement in the architecture.
The build of Taj Mahal is can be considered as the wonder of world. It is very
beautiful building and have very detail to build it.
The Mughal also have very good in military skill and cunning of their Mongol ancestor and they were among the first military to use gun as weapon. Mughal also retrained good in the trade. This is because many of the goods are available in the India because of the center port. The government also give great facilities for trades and also security during their time in India.
THE
FOUNDATION OF MUGHAL DYNASTY
There had been Muslims in India long
before the Mughals. The first Muslims arrived in the 8th century. In the first
half of the 10th century a Muslim ruler of Afghanistan invaded the Punjab 11
times, without much political success, but taking away a great deal of loot. The
Mughal Empire grew out of descendants of the Mongol Empire who were living in
Turkestan in the 15th century. They had become Muslims and assimilated the
culture of the Middle East, while keeping elements of their Far Eastern roots.
These are the Mughal ruler who succeeds the foundation of this dynasty.
Babur
Babur was the descendent of the Mongol emperor named Genghis Khan. His original name Ẓahir al-Din Muḥammad (born February 15, 1483). He is the first Mughal emperor in India Pakistan and was a military adventurer, a soldier of distinction, and a poet and diarist of genius, as well as a statesman. He is of the Sunni madhab follower. His father named is Umar Shaikh Mirza II while his mother Qutlugh Nigar Khanum. After the death of his father in a freak accident when Babur was just 11, the young boy ascended to the throne and faced rebellion from his own relatives. A valiant warrior from a young age, he soon began embarking on military campaigns to expand his territories. Babur proved to be an ambitious young man and nurtured a desire to capture the city of Samarkand to the west.
He besieged Samarkand in 1497 and
eventually gained control over it. He was just 15 at the time of this conquest.
However, due to continued rebellions and conflicts, he lost control over
Samarkand after just 100 days and also lost Fergana. He laid siege on Samarkand
again in 1501 but was defeated by his most formidable rival, Muhammad Shaybani,
khan of the Uzbeks. Unable to attain Samarkand, he then attempted to reclaim
Fergana but again met with failure. He somehow escaped with his life and took
refuge with hill tribes, living in exile for some time. He spent the next few
years building a strong army and in 1504, he marched into the snow-bound Hindu
Kush mountains into Afghanistan. He successfully besieged and conquered
Kabul—his first major victory. This helped him to establish a base for his new
kingdom.
In addition, by 1505 he had set his eyes
upon conquering territories in India. However, it would take him several more
years before he was able to build a formidable army and finally launch an
attack on the Delhi Sultanate. He marched into Delhi through Sirhind in early
1526 and reached Panipat in April the same year. There he was confronted by
Ibrahim Lodi’s army of about 100,000 soldiers and 100 elephants which
outnumbered his own. A shrewd and skilled warrior, Babur utilized the tactic of
“Tulugma”, encircling Ibrahim Lodi's army and forcing it to face artillery fire
directly.
The achievement of Babur is Babur’s army utilized gunpowder firearms and field artillery in the fierce battle and Lodi’s army which lacked these means of warfare found itself in a vulnerable position. Ibrahim Lodi displayed great courage in the battle and died while fighting, bringing an end to the Lodi dynasty.
The decisive victory in the First Battle
of Panipat helped Babur in laying the foundation for the Mughal Empire.
Following the battle he occupied Delhi and Agra, and set about consolidating
his empire. The Rajput ruler Rana Sanga considered Babur to be a foreigner and
challenged his rule in India. This led to the Battle of Khanwa which was fought
between Babur and Rana Sanga in March 1527. Rana Sanga was supported by Afghan
chiefs in his opposition and fought bravely, but Babur went on to win the
battle because of his superior generalship and use of modern warfare.
Abu
Akbar
Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad (15
October 1542 – 27 October 1605), known as Akbar I and later as Akbar The Great.
He was the third ruler of the Mughal Dynasty in India. Akbar succeeded his
father, Humayun, under a regent, Bairam Khan, who helped the young emperor
expand and consolidate Mughal domains in India. He has very good and strong
personality and a successful general, Akbar gradually enlarged the Mughal
Empire to include nearly all of the Indian Subcontinent north of the Godavari
river. His power and influence, however, extended over the entire country
because of Mughal military, political, cultural, and economic dominance. In
order to unify the vast Mughal state, Akbar established a centralized system of
administration throughout his empire and adopted a policy of conciliating
conquered rulers through marriage and diplomacy.
Besides that, Akbar worked hard to win
over the hearts and minds of the Hindu leaders. While this may well have been
for political reasons - he married a Hindu princess (and is said to have
married several thousand wives for political and diplomatic purposes) - it was
also a part of his philosophy. Akbar believed that all religions should be
tolerated, and that a ruler's duty was to treat all believers equally, whatever
their belief. He established a form of delegated government in which the
provincial governors were personally responsible to him for the quality of
government in their territory. Akbar's government machine included many Hindus
in positions of responsibility the governed were allowed to take a major part
in the governing. Akbar also ended a tax (jizya) that had been imposed on
non-Muslims. This discriminatory tax had been much resented, and ending it was
a popular move.
Jahan
Mirza Nuruddin bin Mohammad Khan Salim, known by his name Jahangir (Persian for conqueror of the world). (1569 - 1627). He is the fourth emperor of Mughal empire. He also readopted Islam as the state religion and continued the policy of religious toleration. His court included large numbers of Indian Hindus, Persian Shi'a and Sufis and members of local heterodox Islamic sects.
Jahangir also began building the
magnificent monuments and gardens by which the Mughals are chiefly remembered
today, importing hundreds of Persian architects to build palaces and create
magnificent gardens. There are many architectural achievements of the Mughals
peaked between 1592 and 1666, during the reign of Jahangir's successor Shahryar.
Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal marks the apex of the Mughal
Empire; it symbolizes stability, power and confidence. Moreover the building is
a mausoleum built by Jahan for his wife Mumtaz and it has come to symbolize the
love between two people.
Jahan's selection of white marble and the overall concept and design of the mausoleum give the building great power and majesty. Then Jahan brought together fresh ideas in the creation of the Taj. Many of the skilled craftsmen involved in the construction were drawn from the empire. Many also came from other parts of the Islamic world calligraphers from Shiraz, finial makers from Samarkand, and stone and flower cutters from Bukhara. In addition By Jahan's period the capital had moved to the Red Fort in Delhi, putting the Fort at the heart of Mughal power. As if to confirm it, Jahan had these lines inscribed there: "If there is Paradise on earth, it is here, it is here. Paradise it may have been, but it was a pricey paradise. The money Jahan spent on buildings and on various military projects emptied his treasury and he was forced to raise taxes, which aggravated the people of the empire.
THE
ADMANISTARTION OF MUGHAL
The Mughal dynasty have very
structured in the administration of their government. It is important to make
sure the stability and prosperity in the kingdom. Mughal also establish a new
structure administration. Many people from other ethnic and religion gain
benefit from it. There are no discrimination between them.
Provincial administration
Provincial administration was greatly
improved under Akbar, and in this respect the Mughal period differs
substantially from the sultanate. The boundaries of the provincial units were
more definitely fixed and a uniform administrative pattern, with minor
modifications to suit local conditions, was developed for all parts of the
empire. Furthermore the provincial administration was strengthened, and each
province was provided with a set of officials representing all branches of
state activity. By the introduction of a cadre of mansabdars, liable to be
transferred anywhere at the behest of the central government and by the
introduction of other checks, the control over the provinces was made more
effective.
The principal officer was the governor, called Sipah Salar under Akbar and Nazim, but popularly known as Subahdar and later only as Subah. Next to him in official rank, but not in any way under his control, was the provincial diwan, who was in independent charge of the revenues of the province. He was usually a Mansabdar of much lower status than the governor, but he was independent of the governor's control and was directly under the imperial diwan.
Besides that, they have another
provincial functionary was the Bakhshi, or the paymaster. He performed a number
of duties, including, occasionally, the functions of the provincial news
writer. The diwan-i-buyutat was the provincial representative of the Khan-i-saman,
and looked after roads and government buildings, supervised imperial stores,
and ran state workshops. The Sadr and the Qazi were entrusted with religious,
educational, and judicial duties.
The Faujdar and the Kotwal were the two other important provincial
officials. The Faujdar, who was the administrative head of the Sarkar
(district), was appointed by the emperor but was under the supervision and
guidance of the governor. The Sotwals were not provincial officers, but were
appointed by the central government in the provincial capitals and other
important cities, and performed a number of executive and ministerial duties
similar to the Police Commissioners during British rule in Bombay, Calcutta,
and Madras. The ports were in charge of the mir bahr, corresponding to the
modern Port Commissioner, but with powers over customs too.
Finance
The finance is important in every government to maintain stability. Without good structure of finance there will be many crisis happen. The government cannot do any development in their country. People will suffer with many impact of corruption. Mughal also very good in their financial structure. The tax structure of the Mughal empire was relatively simple in its theoretical formulation, however much it was complicated by changing needs and local circumstances. Both revenue and expenditure were divided between the central and the provincial government.
The central government reserved for
itself land revenue, customs, profits from the mints, inheritance rights, and
monopolies. Land revenue was the most important source of income, as it has
been throughout Indian history, and more than doubled in value between the
reigns of Akbar and Shah Jahan. The principal items of expenditure for the
central government were defense, the general civil administration of the empire
(including the religious organizations), maintenance of the court and the royal
palace, and the cost of buildings and other public works. The provincial
sources of income were the assignments of land revenue granted to the
provincial governor and his officials as a remuneration for their services, a
variety of local taxes and cesses, transit dues and duties, and fines and
presents.
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The Mughal revenue system was based on
the division of the empire into Subas or governorships, Sarkars or districts,
and parganas, consisting of number of villages which were sometimes styled
mahals. The revenue staff had also to perform miscellaneous administrative
duties, including the keeping of the public peace, and recruitment of the
military forces. The suba was modeled after the central imperial structure. The
Sarkar was in the charge of the Faujdar, or military commander, who combined
the functions of the modern district magistrate and superintendent of police.
The revenue work in the sarkar was looked after by the amalguzar, who would
correspond to the modern afsar-i-mal (revenue officer).
Military Organization
It
is very interesting to know about the military aspect of Mughal dynasty.
Military very crucial to defend the country from other enemies and make the
civilization exist for long time. Mughal have several division of armies. There
were five main branches of military force infantry, cavalry, fire-arms,
elephants, and war boats.
1.
Infantry
Infantry
was largest. They had a head to foot covering of plate mail armor. This type of
armor was called a Bukhtar. Some
infantry carried shields as well. A
shield made up of iron and steel was known as a Sipar. Other lighter shields were made up of various
materials, such as cane and bamboo, wood and leather, and sometimes even
tortoise and rhinoceros skin.
2.
Fire
arm
The
fire-arms consisted of gunners, musketeers, and cannon shooters. Cannons were a
very important weapon. They caused a large explosive impact on whatever came
into contact with the cannon ball. The result of the explosion often scared
horses and elephants. This was useful in disrupting an enemy attack. Their only
problem was that they were very large and very heavy. During Akbar’s period of
ruling, there were many improvements in guns and cannons. This prove that
Mughal’s weapon are also update through the year and they did not just rely on
traditional weapon.
3.
Naval
The
Mughal Navy was very weak with few naval defense soldiers. Their navy was made
up of boats equipped with artillery.
4.
Artillery
The Mughal depended heavily on the cavalry for victory. Because of their speed and power, cavalry were arguably the most important of the Mughal forces.
Early
in Mughal history the military only accepted Muslim people to fight in the
battles but later they accepted Hindus and others. Military technology,
especially gunpowder, was improved greatly during the centuries of Mughal
reign. Although the Mughals were very war-like, that was not the only thing
that they did. They also found architecture, art, and commerce very important.
Mughals made the Taj Mahal during Shah Jahan’s rule. Artists in the dynasty
also constructed many famous paintings that have been preserved to today.
Akbar created a military organizational system called Mansabdari. This system created a set of rankings and salaries for every military or civilian official. These officials were called Mansabdars. The emperors would provide land to the Mansabdars and in return they would provide cavalry to fight. The Mansabdars were not allowed to pass on the land to their children without the emperor’s permission. Also the military sometimes used mercenaries, mostly for artillery, from Europe or other parts of Asia.
DECLINE
OF MUGHAL DYNASTY
The period of the Great Mughals, which began in 1526 with Babur’s accession to the throne, ended with the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. Aurangzeb’s death marked the end of an era in Indian history. When Aurangzeb died, the empire of the Mughals was the largest in India. Yet, within about fifty years of his death, the Mughal Empire disintegrated. Aurangzeb’s death was followed by a war of succession among his three sons. It ended in the victory of the eldest brother, Prince Muazzam. The sixty five-year-old prince ascended the throne under the name of Bahadur Shah.
The
condition of India with its incompetent rulers, weak administration and poor
military strength attracted foreign invaders. Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia,
attacked Punjab in 1739. Mohammad Shah was easily defeated and imprisoned.
Nadir Shah marched towards Delhi. Nadir Shah was a ferocious invader. He
massacred thousands of people in Delhi. Delhi looked deserted for days.
Mohammad Shah, however, was reinstated on the throne. Nadir Shah carried with
him the Kohinoor diamond and the Peacock throne of Shah Jahan. By plundering a
big city like Delhi, he got enormous wealth.
These
are also causes the decline of Mughal empire.
1.
Wars
of Succession
The
Mughals did not follow any law of succession like the law of primogeniture.
Consequently, each time a ruler died, a war of succession between the brothers
for the throne started. This weakened the Mughal Empire, especially after
Aurangzeb. The nobles, by siding with one contender or the other, increased
their own power.
2.
Aurangzeb’s
Policies
Aurangzeb failed to realise that the vast Mughal Empire depended on the willing support of the people. He lost the support of the Rajputs who had contributed greatly to the strength of the Empire. They had acted as pillars of support, but Aurangzeb’s policy turned them to bitter foes. The wars with the Sikhs, the Marathas, the Jats and the Rajputs had drained the resources of the Mughal Empire.
3.
Invasions
Foreign
invasions sapped the remaining strength of the Mughals and hastened the process
of disintegration. The invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali resulted
in further drainage of wealth. These invasions shook the very stability of the
empire.
4.
.
Size of the Empire and Challenge from Regional Powers
The
Mughal Empire had become too large to be controlled by any ruler from one
centre i.e. Delhi. The Great Mughals were efficient and exercised control over
ministers and army, but the later Mughals were poor administrators. As a
result, the distant provinces became independent. The rise of independent
states led to the disintegration of the Mughal Empire.
5.
Rise
of independent states in the 18th century
During this time many small state want to be independent from the central government. They want to have their own authority and own decision. Some of the state they thought being discrimination by the weak ruler of Mughal. Many problem have been face by the ruler in the government also cause them to spread the central government. The example of state want to be independent is Hyderabad, Carnatic, Bengal, Mysore, the Rajput Kingdoms and Punjab.
CONCLUSION
It can be seen that the establishment of Mughal dynasty from the beginning era until the decline of this dynasty bring big impact in India. India was in the prosperity era during Mughal, people from different ethnic and religion can stay together and tolerance. The Mughal also help in the development of the infrastructure, government and society. Even the fall of Mughal dynasty still we can see many Muslim in India. However the discrimination of the Muslim after that becomes very worst. Many invasion by the Mughal dynasty being use people nowadays for their benefit.
REFERENCES
Heesterman, J. (2004). The Social Dynamics of the
Mughal Empire: A Brief Introduction. Department of South and Central Asian
Studies, 292-297.
Magellan, F. (2014). Babur
Establishes the Mughal Empire. Chicago: Gale, Cengage Learning.
Noe, M. W. (2012). Islamic Art and
Mughal Architecture. College Publishing House, 89-128.
Richard, J. F. (1993). The
Mughal Emipre. Cambridge : The Press Syndicate of University Cambridge.
Robinson, F. (2007). THE MUGHAL
DYNASTIES . History Today.
Streusand, D. E. (2010). Islamic Gunpowder Empires: Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals. Westview Press, 351-354.
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