The Great Mughal Rulers:

An overview of the Mughal Empire

The Great Mughal Rulers: The empire was shaped by six major rulers spanning from 1526 to 1707:

• Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur (1526-1530): Founder of the empire.

• Nasir-ud-din Muhammad Humayun (1530-1540 & 1555-1556).

• Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar (1556-1605).

• Nur-ud-din Muhammad Salim Jahangir (1605-1627).

• Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram Shah Jahan (1627-1658).

• Muhi-ud-din Muhammad Aurangzeb (1658-1707).

Administration and MilitaryThe Mughal administration was highly centralized.

• Governance: The empire was organized into units: Subas, Sarkars, Parganas, and Mahals. Key officials included the Diwan Kul (finance) and Mir Bakhshi (military/muster rolls).

• Mansabdari System: Officials held a rank (mansab) determined by zat (personal) and sawar (cavalry) status. Payment was rendered via cash or land assignments known as jagirs.

• Army: Forces included cavalry, infantry, elephants, camels, and artillery. The Dagh system was utilized to brand horses for military efficiency.

Economy and Society

• Land Revenue: Collection (mal) methods included Zabti (cash-based), Ghalla Bakshi (crop sharing), and Kankut (estimated yield).

• Trade: Wholesale trade was managed by seth/bohra and retail by beoparis/banik. Letters of credit (hundi) facilitated transactions.

Religion and Travelers

• Religious Policy: Akbar championed syncretic practices, including Din-i-Ilahi and the principle of Shul-i-kul (universal peace).

• Foreign Travelers: Numerous travelers, such as Anthony Monserrate, Ralph Fitch, Sir Thomas Roe, and Francois Bernier, documented aspects of Mughal life, military discipline, and administration during this era.