Akbar's new administration entailed tightening the administrative machinery, greater control over the nobles, and greater attention to the people's interests. As a result, many nobles disliked it. Regional independence was still strong, particularly in areas such as Gujarat, Bengal, and Bihar, all of which had a long history of forming separate kingdoms. Rana Pratap's struggle for independence was still ongoing in Rajasthan. In this situation, Akbar had to deal with a series of rebellions. Gujarat was in turmoil for two years due to a bid for independence by a representative of the old ruling dynasty. In this article, we will discuss Rebellions and Further Expansion of the Mughal Empire which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Rebellions and Further Expansion - Features

• During this time, the most serious rebellion occurred in Bengal and Bihar, which extended all the way to Jaunpur.
• The main cause of the rebellion was the strict implementation of the dagh system, or branding of the jagirdars' horses, as well as strict accounting of their income.
• Some religious divines were dissatisfied with Akbar's liberal views and his policy of resuming large revenue-free grants of land that they had obtained, sometimes illegally.
• Mirza Hakim, the ruler of Kabul and Akbar's half-brother, also aided the rebellion by threatening to invade Punjab at a suitable time to assist.
• A large number of Afghans in the east were depressed over the loss of Afghan power and were ready to join a rebellion.
• For nearly two years (1580-81), the empire was distracted by the rebellion, and Akbar found himself in a difficult and delicate situation.
• Due to local officials' mishandling of the situation, Bengal and nearly the entire state of Bihar fell into the hands of the rebels, who proclaimed Mirza Hakim as their ruler.
• They even persuaded a religious divine to issue a fatwa, exhorting the faithful to fight against Akbar.

Territorial Expansion

• Akbar began a policy of expanding Mughal territories after overcoming initial problems and consolidating his hold on the throne.
• Any expansionist policy meant clashes with various political powers dispersed across the country.
  • The Rajputs, though distributed throughout the country as autonomous chiefs and kings, had a significant concentration in Rajputana.
  • The Afghans dominated politics primarily in Gujarat, Bihar, and Bengal. Khandesh, Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golkonda, and other southern kingdoms were the major states in the Deccan and South India.
  • Despite being held by Mughal factions, Kabul and Qandahar were opposed to Akbar.
• Akbar began the task of expanding his Empire with a systematic policy. During Akbar's reign, the Mughal Empire grew significantly.
• Very little was added to the territory during the reigns of his successors (Jahangir, Shahjahan, and Aurangzeb).
• The majority of the later additions were made during Aurangzeb's reign in South and North-East India (Assam).

Conquest of North and Central India

• In 1559-60, an expedition was sent to capture Gwalior and Jaunpur. Ram Shah surrendered the Gwalior fort after a brief conflict.
• Khan Zaman was dispatched to Jaunpur, which was ruled by Afghans and was easily defeated, and it was annexed to the Mughal Empire.
• Baz Bahadur was the ruler of Malwa in central India. The expedition was led by Adham Khan and others against Malwa. After being defeated, Baz Bahadur fled to Burhanpur.
• Following that, in 1564, Garh Katanga or Gondwana, an independent state in central India ruled by Rani Durgawati, Dalpat Shah's widow, was conquered. Later, in 1567, Akbar gave the kingdom to Chandra Shah, Dalpat Shah's brother.
• During this time, Akbar faced a series of revolts in central India. The revolt's leader was Abdulah Khan Uzbeg. He was joined by a group of Uzbeks.
• Khan Zaman and Asaf Khan also rebelled. Akbar was able to suppress them and consolidate his position with the help of Munim Khan.
• A long conflict with the nobility, which had begun with the dismissal of Bairam Khan (1560), had now come to an end.
• Akbar dealt with the serious crisis using his diplomatic skills, organisational abilities, and the assistance of some trusted friends.

Conquest of Western India

Conquest of Rajputana

• Akbar realised that in order to have a stable Empire, he needed to subjugate the vast tracts of land ruled by Rajput kings in the neighbouring region of Rajputana.
• A calculated strategy was devised not only to conquer these areas, but also to convert their rulers into allies.
• With the exception of Chittor's Rana Pratap, Akbar was able to gain the support of all the Rajput kingdoms.
• Many of them became Mughal nobility and assisted Akbar in expanding and consolidating the Mughal Empire.

Conquest of Gujarat

• After consolidating his position in Central India and Rajputana, Akbar turned his attention to Gujarat in 1572.
• Gujarat was no longer a unified kingdom after Humayun's withdrawal.
• Gujarat, in addition to being a fertile region, had a large number of busy ports and thriving commercial centres.
• Sultan Muzaffer Shah-III was the nominal ruler, claiming authority over seven warring principalities. I'timad Khan had invited Akbar to come and conquer it.
• Akbar personally marched to Ahmedabad. The town was taken without much resistance.
• Surat, which had a strong fortress, provided some resistance but was also taken. Most of Gujarat's principalities were subdued in a short period of time.
• Akbar organised Gujarat into a province and assigned it to Mirza Aziz Koka before returning to the capital.
• Within six months, various insurgent factions banded together and revolted against Mughal rule.
• Ikhtiyarul Mulk and Mohammad Husain Mirza led the rebellion. A number of territories had to be ceded by the Mughal governor.
• When Akbar learned of the rebellion in Agra, he set out for Ahmedabad.
• This march is regarded as one of Akbar's most outstanding achievements. Traveling at 50 miles per day, Akbar and a small force arrived in Gujarat in 10 days and put down the rebellion.
• Gujarat had been at peace for nearly a decade. Meanwhile, Muzaffar III escaped and sought refuge in Junagadh. He attempted to organise a few rebellions after 1583.

Conquest of Eastern India

• Since Humayun's defeat at the hands of Sher Shah, Afghans have ruled Bengal and Bihar.
• Sulaiman Karrani, governor of Bihar, brought Bengal under his control in 1564. Sulaiman, realising Akbar's growing power, acknowledged the Mughals' overlordship. He used to send gifts to Akbar.
• After his death in 1572, which was followed by some infighting, his younger son Daud ascended to the throne.
• Daud refused to recognise Mughal suzerainty and became involved in a conflict with the Mughal governor of Jaunpur.
• In 1574, Akbar marched towards Bihar with Munim Khan Khan-i Khanan. Hajipur and Patna were quickly captured, and Daud fled to Garhi. Akbar returned after a brief stay.
• Munim Khan and Raja Todar Mal pursued Daud, who eventually surrendered to the Mughals.
• After a short time, he rebelled again and was eventually killed by Mughal forces led by Khan-i Khanan and Gaur (Bengal) was captured.
• This effectively ended Bengal's independent rule in 1576, which had lasted nearly two centuries with few interruptions.
• Parts of Orissa were still ruled by Afghan kings. Mansingh brought the entire state of Orissa under Mughal control around 1592.

Conquest of North-West

Supression of the Roshanias

• The Roshanai movement was the first to catch Akbar's attention. Roshanai was a sect founded in the frontier region by a solider known as Pir Roshanai. He had a sizable fan base.
• After his death, his son Jalala took over as sect leader. The Roshanais revolted against the Mughals, cutting the road connecting Kabul and Hindustan.
• Akbar tasked Zain Khan with leading a large force against the Roshanais and establishing Mughal control in the region.
• Separate forces were also sent to assist Zain Khan by Sayid Khan Gakhar and Raja Birbal. Birbal and the majority of his forces were killed in one of the operations.
• As a result, Zain Khan was defeated, but he managed to reach Akbar at the fort of Atak.
• The death of Birbal, one of Akbar's favourite companions, shocked him greatly.
• Raja Todar Mal was sent by Akbar with a large force to capture the region. Raja Man Singh was also requested to assist with the task. The Roshanais were defeated as a result of their combined efforts.

Conquest of Kashmir

• For a long time, Akbar had his sights set on conquering Kashmir. While camping in Atak, he decided to send an army to Kashmir under the command of Raja Bhagwan Das and Shah Quli Mahram.
• Yusuf Khan, the king of Kashmir, was defeated and accepted Mughal suzerainty. Akbar was dissatisfied with the treaty because he wanted to annex Kashmir.
• Yusuf's son Yaqub, along with a few other amirs, also decided to fight the Mughals. However, some disagreements arose among the Kashmiri forces.
• Finally, the Mughals won, and Kashmir was annexed by the Mughal Empire in 1586.

Conquest of Thatta

• Thatta in Sindh was another independent region in the North-West.
• In 1590, Akbar appointed Khan-i-Khanan as governor of Multan and tasked him with conquering Sindh and subduing Bilochis.
• Thatta was annexed and made a sarkar in that suba under the governor of Multan.
• The Mughal forces continued to suppress Bilochis in the surrounding areas.
• Finally, by 1595, the Mughals had established complete dominance over the North-West region.

Conquest of Deccan and South

• After conquering Gujarat and Malwa, Akbar became interested in the Deccan states of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, and Golkonda. Earlier contacts were limited to emissaries' visits or casual contacts.
• After 1590, Akbar launched a deliberate Deccan policy to subjugate these states to Mughal rule. The Deccan states were experiencing internal strife and frequent conflicts at this time.
• Akbar sent a few missions to the Deccan states in 1591, requesting that they accept Mughal sovereignty.
• Khwaja Aminuddin was sent to Ahmednagar, Mir Mohammad Amin Mashadi was sent to Bijapur, and Mirza Ma'sud was sent to Golkonda.
• By 1593, all of the missions had returned empty-handed. According to reports, only Raja Ali Khan, the ruler of Khandesh, was sympathetic to the Mughals. Akbar had now decided to pursue a more aggressive policy.
• The first expedition was sent to Ahmednagar under the command of Prince Murad and Abdul Rahim Khan Khanan. Ahmednagar was besieged by Mughal forces in 1595.
• Its ruler, Chand Bibi, faced the Mughals with a large army. She sought assistance from Ibrahim Ali Shah of Bijapur and Qutub Shah of Golkonda but was unsuccessful. Chand Bibi stood firm against the Mughal Army.
• After heavy losses on both sides, a treaty was drafted. According to this treaty, Chand Bibi gave up Berar.
• After some time, Chand Bibi attacked Berar to reclaim it. Nizamshahi, Qutabshahi, and Adilshahi troops presented a united front this time.
• The Mughals suffered heavy losses but were able to keep the field. Meanwhile, significant disagreements between Murad and Khan Khanan weakened the Mughal position.
• As a result, Akbar dispatched Abul Fazl to Deccan and summoned Khan Khanan.
• Following the death of Prince Murad in 1598, Prince Daniyal and Khan Khanan were dispatched to Deccan. Akbar also joined them. Ahmednagar was taken first.
• Meanwhile, Chand Bibi passed away. The Mughals then conquered Asirgarh and the surrounding regions (1600 AD). Adil Shah of Bijapur also pledged allegiance and proposed marriage to Prince Daniyal.
• Asirgarh, Burhanpur, Ahmednagar, and Berar were now Mughal territories in the Deccan.

Conclusion

The Mughal Empire was significant in uniting almost the entire Indian subcontinent under one domain, connecting its regions through improved overland and coastal trading networks. Akbar's victory over his opponents was not only a personal triumph, but also evidence that the new system was gaining traction.

FAQs

Question. What were the key factors that led to the expansion of the Mughal Empire?

Question. How did the Mughal Empire expand under Akbar’s rule?

Question. What were the major rebellions faced by the Mughal Empire?

Question. How did Aurangzeb’s expansion affect the Mughal Empire?

Question. What were the long-term effects of the rebellions on the Mughal Empire?

MCQs

1. Who was the most successful Mughal ruler in terms of military expansion?

A) Babur

B) Akbar

C) Shah Jahan

D) Aurangzeb

2. Which rebellion was led by Shivaji Maharaj against the Mughal Empire?

A) Rajput Rebellion

B) Maratha Rebellion

C) Jat Rebellion

D) Sikh Rebellion

3. What was the main reason for the decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb’s death?

A) Poor administration by later rulers

B) Expansion beyond its capacity leading to rebellions

C) Invasion by the British

D) Religious tolerance policy

4. The Maratha Empire, after Shivaji's death, was primarily known for challenging Mughal control in which region?

A) Southern India

B) Eastern India

C) Western India

D) Northern India

5. Which Mughal emperor expanded the empire to its largest territorial extent?

A) Babur

B) Akbar

C) Shah Jahan

D) Aurangzeb

GS Mains Questions and Model Answer

Q1: Evaluate the impact of the Maratha rebellion on the Mughal Empire during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Answer: The Maratha rebellion, led by Shivaji Maharaj and later expanded by the Maratha Confederacy, posed a significant challenge to the Mughal Empire. The Marathas drained Mughal resources through continuous guerrilla warfare and expanded their control over western India. Shivaji’s tactics and the Maratha naval power weakened Mughal authority. The rebellion contributed to regional fragmentation and the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.

Q2: How did the religious policies of Aurangzeb affect the Mughal Empire's stability?

Answer: Aurangzeb’s policies, such as imposing jizya on non-Muslims and reversing Akbar’s tolerance measures, alienated large sections of the population. His actions provoked rebellions from the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs. These policies, combined with prolonged military campaigns, drained the empire’s resources and weakened central authority, leading to instability and decline.

Q3: Assess the role of regional powers in the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Answer: Regional powers like the Marathas, Rajputs, and Sikhs emerged as strong forces against the Mughal Empire. Their resistance weakened Mughal control over vast territories. The decentralized nature of the empire and ineffective leadership further facilitated the rise of these regional entities, contributing significantly to the Mughal Empire's decline in the 18th century.

Previous Year Questions on  Rebellions and Further Expansion of the Mughal Empire

1. UPSC CSE 2021

Question: Discuss the military strategies and challenges faced by the Mughal Empire during the reign of Aurangzeb.

Answer: This question requires an analysis of Aurangzeb's military campaigns and the challenges he faced, including Maratha resistance and prolonged Deccan campaigns, which strained resources and led to instability.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Examine the reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, with a focus on internal rebellions and external invasions.

Answer: This question calls for an exploration of internal rebellions, such as the Maratha and Rajput uprisings, and external invasions like those of Nader Shah. These factors led to the Mughal Empire's decline in authority and territorial control.