The Mughal ruled over India from 1526-1761, constituting the major developments in certain areas of music, language, literature, paintings, art, and architecture. Many European travellers travelled to India under the Mughal regime and depicted the life of people under their rule. Candidates can read other NCERT Notes on History of Medieval India to prepare for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exam.

However, Mughal emperors lived fancy and lavishing lives but in a few areas, the ordinary people went through torture and suffering. There is no denial in terms of building some of the intricate and astonishing architectures but on the other hand, many fights had been fought to take control over the Indian subcontinent.

Mughal Nobility

• Mughal and their families lived lavishing lives. Most of the chores were done by the servants only.
• They accumulated huge wealth, some of which might be distributed for the up-gradation of their forts while the majority of the part was just drifted towards financing the wars.
• They had elephants and horses.
• They were dressed in the best fabrics while on the other hand in some parts of the country people were suffering to get access to even basic amenities.
• In terms of food, fish was quite prominent near the coast and many other spices were also added to prepare the ravishing delicacies.

Influence of Mughal Empire in Various domains

Considering the long duration of the Mughal Empire, they have made great contributions in various areas of art, architecture, paintings, music, language, literature as well as trade. They lived lives of riches; while on the other hand, some people couldn’t even afford to wear anything on their feet due to expensive leather.

The major influence of the Mughal Empire has been observed in various areas which are described below:

Influence of Mughal Empire on Agriculture

• The peasants under the Mughal regime were continuing with the method of crop rotation to maintain soil nutrition. In the coastal areas, fish was used to provide enrichment to the soil.
• Devices like wooden scoops were used to lift water from the closed water channels.
• In few parts of India, Persian wheels were made into usage for various agricultural activities.
• Various Mughal canals didn’t provide sufficient water to many agricultural fields.
• In the 17th century, crops like Maize and Tobacco were added to the already existing list of crops like Gram, pulses, rice, wheat, sugarcane, etc.

Influence of Mughal Empire on Economic and Social Life

• The Economic and Social life of Indian people under the Mughal rule represented both sides of a coin.
• Some parts observed the lavishing life of nobles where there was just prosperity and wealth. While on the other hand, some regions were devoid of even basic needs.
• Even the great travellers documented both the economic and social life under the Mughal Empire and some of them cited it as full of suffering while others exclaiming the huge flow of wealth; filled with prosperity.

Cultural Development under the Mughal

• However, there was suffering in some parts but during the Mughal Empire, varied types of Culture in terms of art and architecture, music, and paintings came into existence.
• Literary works played an important role to bridge the cultural gaps and ensure inclusiveness among people of various geographical regions.
• Further, already existing Languages and the surfacing of Urdu played a vital role in the dimension of Cultural development.

Influence of Mughal Empire on Art and Architecture

Some of the unique and prominent architecture including Gardens, Forts, and Tombs, etc. were built under the regime of the Mughal Empire.

Taj Mahal

• It is considered as one of the seven wonders due to the unique and intricate pattern of art embellished on it.
• It has a huge dome with four slender minarets (towers).
• Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his beloved Mumtaz.
• The chief architects were Ustad Ahmad Lahori and Ustad Isa.
• Pietra Dura technique had been used massively.

Mughal Garden

During the reign of Mughal emperors many Gardens along with running water had been constructed:

1. Shalimar Bagh, Lahore- Built by Shah Jahan
2. Pinjore Gardens, Punjab- Built by Fidai Khan
3. Nishat Bagh, Kashmir- Built by Asif Khan

Forts

Many forts had been constructed during the Mughal Empire. A few of them had been mentioned below:

1. Agra Fort- by Akbar using red sandstone.
2. Red Fort- by Shah Jahan. It constitutes three parts: Rang Mahal (Palace in Red fort), Diwan-i-Am (Audience hall), and Diwan-i-Khas (Private audience hall).

Humayun’s Tomb

• Built-in Delhi with its marble dome.
• It is now considered the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Jama Masjid

• Built by Shah Jahan.
• It has three domes on the top with two 40 meters tall towers.
• Buland Darwaza is the entrance point of Jama Masjid, which is also called as ‘Door of Victory’ after Akbar’s Victory over Gujarat.

Influence of Mughal Empire on Paintings

• Humayun laid the foundation of Mughal Painting in Persia.
• Humayun on returning to India brought famous artists like Abdal Samad and Mir Sayyid Ali.
• Miniature art forms of various mythological texts like Ramayana were produced in Persian.
• Akbar was so fond of paintings and thus he established an Art Studio.
• Mughal paintings were at their peak during Akbar’s reign but had just vanished under the Jahangir rule.

Influence of Mughal Empire on Music

• Tansen under Akbar’s court introduced some of the famous ragas like Darbari, Mian ki Mand, etc.
• Aurangzeb was a learned Veena player and a famous book ‘Tuhfat-ul-Hind’ was written for his grandson.
• Apart from Akbar, the expansion of music was widespread under the rule of Shah Jahan and Jahangir.

Influence of Mughal Empire on Language

• The Persian language was quite prominent during the Mughal rule.
• Many words from Persian, Turkic and Arabic languages were taken and used in daily lives.

Influence of Mughal Empire on Literature

• Many historical works were written during this period.
• Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari were some of the famous literary works during the Mughal Empire.
• Abul Faizi was the leading poet then. Under his supervision, the Mahabharata was translated into Persian.
• Scholars like Ghiyas Beg, Naqib Khan, and Niamatullah were patronized by Jahangir.
• Shah Jahan patronized writers like Abdul Hamid Lahori.
• Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, Jahangir’s autobiography was also published during this period.
• Some of the famous Persian poets of that period include Naziri and Utbi.
• Shah Jahan Nama was written by Inayat Khan and Nama.
• Many regional languages like Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Oriya were also popularized by locals. Mahabharata and Ramayana were translated in them.

Influence of Mughal Empire on Growth of Trade

There were different kinds of traders in terms of the distance of trading which are as follows:

1. Long-distance traders: Bohra
2. Local traders: Banik
3. Bulk carrying traders: Banjaras moved long distances carrying the bulk of goods.

Certain traders were engaged in various trading activities, which include:

1. Multani Merchants: They had rich reserves of Gold and silver.
2. Bengali Merchants: They exported muslin (cotton cloth), rice, and silk.
3. Gujarat: It’s the place from where goods were imported and directed towards the northern part.

An extensive import of precious metals like Gold and silver took place during the Mughal Empire. In the west, different communities of Rajasthan were collectively named Marwaris.

The majority of trade merchants were Jain, Hindu, and Muslim while other communities also played a minor role in the Growth of Trade.

The period of the Mughal Empire had seen growth in certain parts but there were other areas where the growth and development remained stuck; agriculture being one of them.

To get more information and study materials on Indian Medieval History for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exam, candidates can check NCERT Medieval History Notes right here.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India?

A) Akbar
B) Babur
C) Humayun
D) Shah Jahan

2. Which Mughal ruler is known for his policy of religious tolerance?

A) Babur
B) Akbar
C) Aurangzeb
D) Shah Jahan

3. Which system of revenue collection was introduced by Akbar?

A) Zabt
B) Zamindari
C) Jagirdari
D) Todar Mal’s System

4. Who was the last Mughal emperor to rule India?

A) Bahadur Shah Zafar
B) Aurangzeb
C) Shah Alam
D) Akbar

5. Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal?

A) Akbar
B) Shah Jahan
C) Humayun
D) Babur

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the role of Akbar in consolidating and expanding the Mughal Empire in India. How did his policies contribute to the stability of the empire?

Answer: Akbar’s role in consolidating the Mughal Empire was crucial for its expansion and long-term stability. His military conquests expanded the empire’s boundaries, but it was his administrative and social policies that ensured its consolidation. Akbar's policy of religious tolerance allowed for peaceful coexistence between Hindus and Muslims, which reduced internal conflict. His introduction of the Mansabdari system ensured efficient governance and military organization. Furthermore, Akbar’s land revenue system, the Zabt, provided a steady income for the empire, contributing to its economic stability. His inclusive policies and efficient administration helped maintain a cohesive and prosperous empire.

Q2: Discuss the impact of Aurangzeb’s policies on the Mughal Empire. How did his rule affect the empire’s later years?

Answer: Aurangzeb’s policies had a profound impact on the Mughal Empire, both in terms of its expansion and its decline. While he expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, his orthodox Sunni policies and re-imposition of the jizya tax created resentment among non-Muslim communities, particularly Hindus. His refusal to adapt Akbar’s policy of religious tolerance led to increased religious tension and internal revolts. Additionally, the empire’s resources were stretched thin by continuous military campaigns, particularly in the Deccan. These factors contributed to the weakening of the empire, making it more susceptible to external invasions and internal strife after his death.

Q3: Evaluate the contributions of Mughal architecture to the cultural heritage of India. Focus on the monuments constructed under various emperors.

Answer: Mughal architecture is a significant part of India’s cultural heritage, blending Persian, Turkish, and Indian elements to create iconic structures. Under Akbar, the architectural style evolved, with the construction of Fatehpur Sikri as the capital showcasing a blend of Indian and Persian styles. Shah Jahan’s reign marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, with the Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, being the most notable contribution. The Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Delhi, built by Shah Jahan, also exemplify the grandeur of Mughal architecture. These structures not only reflect the artistic and cultural aspirations of the Mughal rulers but also stand as lasting legacies of their reigns, influencing later architectural developments in India.

Previous Year Questions on Mughal Dynasty

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2023:

Question: Which Mughal emperor is known for his policy of religious tolerance?

A) Akbar
B) Babur
C) Aurangzeb
D) Shah Jahan

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Akbar is known for his policy of religious tolerance, which included the abolition of the jizya tax, efforts to foster interfaith dialogue, and his promotion of religious harmony across his empire.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Discuss the causes of the decline of the Mughal Empire and analyze how Aurangzeb’s policies contributed to the empire’s weakening.

Answer: The decline of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to multiple factors, including Aurangzeb’s policies of religious intolerance, his prolonged military campaigns, and the empire’s overextension. These factors strained the empire’s resources and led to increased regional revolts. His repressive policies alienated key sections of society, particularly Hindus, who had enjoyed greater autonomy under previous rulers like Akbar. Additionally, the empire’s vast size made it increasingly difficult to govern effectively, leading to administrative inefficiencies and weakening of central authority.