Chapter-4: The Mughal empire

These NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 4 notes explain the rise, expansion and administration of the Mughal Empire in India. The chapter begins with the foundation of the empire in 1526 CE and describes how the Mughals built a strong centralised state.

The Mughal Empire introduces important rulers like Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, and explains key administrative systems such as mansabdari, jagirdari and provincial governance. It also highlights Mughal military organisation, culture, architecture and religious policies.

This chapter helps students understand how one of the most powerful empires in Indian history functioned and influenced society, politics and culture.

1. Introduction

• The Mughal Empire was one of the strongest and most organised empires in Indian history.
• It ruled large parts of India from the 16th century to the 18th century.
• The empire created a highly centralised administration.
• A strong and disciplined army supported Mughal rule.
• Mughal rule also led to the growth of art, architecture and culture.

2. Time period and foundation

• The Mughal Empire was established in 1526 CE.
• The founder of the empire was Babur.
• The empire came to an end around 1707 CE after the death of Aurangzeb.
• The foundation was laid after the First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE).
• In this battle, Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi.

3. Important Mughal emperors

• Babur (1526–1530) founded the empire and introduced gunpowder warfare.
• Humayun (1530–1540, 1555–1556) lost the empire and later regained it.
• Akbar (1556–1605) strengthened the empire through administration and tolerance.
• Jahangir (1605–1627) consolidated Mughal rule and supported arts.
• Shah Jahan (1628–1658) is known for grand architecture like the Taj Mahal.
• Aurangzeb (1658–1707) expanded the empire but weakened it through long wars.

4. Akbar’s administration

• Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system to organise officials.
• Mansab was a rank that decided salary and military responsibility.
• Officials were paid through land revenue under the Jagirdari system.
• Jagirdars did not own land permanently.
• Land was measured and crops were assessed carefully for revenue.
• An officer holding a rank was called a Mansabdar.

5. Military organisation

• The Mughals maintained a standing army.
• The army included cavalry, artillery and firearms.
• Military power helped the empire expand and control territories.
• Soldiers were paid through the revenue system.
• The emperor was the supreme commander of the army.

6. Mughal empire as a patrimonial empire

• The Mughal Empire was based on personal loyalty to the emperor.
• Authority depended on family ties and close relationships.
• Marriage alliances were used to strengthen political control.
• Akbar married Rajput princesses to build alliances.
• Power was linked to personal service rather than institutions.
• Such a system is called a patrimonial empire.

7. Administration of provinces

• The empire was divided into provinces called Subas.
• Each suba was governed by a Subadar.
• The Diwan managed revenue administration.
• The Faujdar looked after military matters.
• The Qazi handled judicial work.
• Officials were frequently transferred to prevent rebellion.

8. Akbar’s policy of tolerance

• Akbar followed the policy of Sulh-i-Kul, meaning peace with all.
• This policy respected all religions equally.
• The jizya tax on non-Muslims was abolished.
• Non-Muslims were included in administration and the army.
• This policy brought political stability to the empire.
• It gained support from Rajputs and other groups.

9. Mughal court and culture

• The Mughal court was known for grand darbars.
• Persian was used as the official court language.
• Magnificent buildings like the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri were constructed.
• Architecture reflected wealth and power of the empire.
• Miniature paintings flourished under Mughal patronage.

10. Decline of the Mughal empire

• Long and costly wars under Aurangzeb, especially in the Deccan, weakened the empire.
• Later Mughal rulers were weak and inefficient.
• Continuous wars led to a financial crisis.
• Control over provinces became weak.
• Powerful regional states emerged.
• By the early 18th century, Mughal authority declined sharply.

11. Important dates

• 1526 CE marks the foundation of the Mughal Empire.
• 1556 CE marks the accession of Akbar to the throne.
• 1707 CE marks the death of Aurangzeb.
• These dates represent the rise, peak and decline of Mughal power.
• They are important for understanding medieval Indian history.

12. Important keywords

• Mughal Empire refers to the dynasty founded by Babur.
• Mansab means rank given to officials.
• Mansabdar was an official holding a mansab.
• Jagir was land assigned in place of salary.
• Suba was a provincial division of the empire.
• Sulh-i-Kul means peace with all religions.
• Patrimonial empire is based on personal loyalty and family ties.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 4 is important to learn how the Mughal rulers created an efficient administrative system and maintained control over a vast empire. The chapter clearly explains governance, revenue collection, military organisation and cultural achievements of the Mughals.

The ideas discussed in The Mughal Empire provide a strong base for understanding medieval Indian polity and society and are highly useful for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

Continue reading NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 – Rulers and Buildings to understand how architecture was used as a symbol of power and authority in medieval India.

FAQs

Q1. When was the Mughal Empire established?
The Mughal Empire was established in 1526 CE after the First Battle of Panipat.

Q2. Who is considered the greatest Mughal ruler?
Akbar is considered the greatest Mughal ruler due to his administration and policy of tolerance.

Q3. What was the mansabdari system?
The mansabdari system was a ranking system that decided the salary and military duties of officials.

Q4. What were subas in the Mughal administration?
Subas were provinces of the Mughal Empire governed by officials appointed by the emperor.

Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains Mughal administration, culture and decline, making it important for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.