Mughal Empire 1526-1857 Family Tree, History, Rulers and Maps

At its peak, the Mughal Empire (1556–1707) was the wealthiest and most powerful in Indian history, covering nearly the entire subcontinent. It was a well-organized state with a large bureaucracy supporting the emperor and nobility. The Mughals were descended from two powerful lineages. On their mother’s side, they traced their roots to Genghis Khan, the Mongol ruler. On their father’s side, they were descendants of Timur, the ruler of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. The Mughal Empire, a Muslim dynasty of Turkish-Mongol origin, ruled northern India from the early 16th century to the mid-18th century. The Mughal Empire ruled from 1526 to 1857.

The Mughal Empire is known for its strong administration and the leadership of seven great rulers. They worked to unite Hindus and Muslims in one Indian state. Understanding the Mughals is key for UPSC aspirants studying medieval history.

Mughal Empire History

The Mughal Empire, spanning from 1526 to 1857, was a formidable and influential dynasty that governed much of the Indian subcontinent. Founded by Babur, a conqueror from Central Asia, the empire achieved its greatest heights under prominent rulers such as Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.

• The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur in 1526 after defeating the Sultan of Delhi in the Battle of Panipat.
• Under Akbar’s Rule: The Mughal Empire reached its height with administrative reforms, economic prosperity, and religious tolerance.
• Architectural Legacy: Commissioned iconic structures like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.
• Expansion and Power: Expanded through military conquest to become one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires globally.
• Decline Factors: Weak leadership, economic decline, and European colonial pressures led to the empire’s decline in the late 17th century.
• End of Empire: The British dissolved the Mughal Empire in 1858 after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• Legacy: Left lasting influences on India’s language, art, architecture, and cuisine, and shaped its political and social history significantly.

Mughal Empire Family Tree

The Mughal Empire traces its lineage from its founder, Babur, succeeded by his son Humayun. Under Humayun’s son, Akbar the Great, the empire saw significant expansion and consolidation. Akbar’s son, Jahangir, continued his father’s legacy, while Jahangir’s son, Shah Jahan, became renowned for his construction of iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan’s reign gave way to his son Aurangzeb’s lengthy and tumultuous rule, a pivotal period that shaped the empire’s trajectory. This era of subsequent rulers faced mounting challenges, contributing to the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.

Rise of the Mughal Empire- (Mughal  Dynasty)

Mughal military campaigns laid the foundation of one of India’s most influential empires. Babur, the first Mughal emperor, ascended the throne of Fargana in the year 1494 at the young age of 12. However, his reign was short-lived as he was soon forced to abdicate his ancestral throne due to an attack by the Uzbeg Mongols. After several years of instability and wandering, Babur successfully captured Kabul in 1504. Babur’s significant military prowess was then fully demonstrated in 1526 when he decisively defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi, in the historic Battle of Panipat.

Mughal Empire Rulers Name

Below you can check the List of the Mughal Emperors who ruled in the Indian subcontinent from 1526-1857.

Babur (1526 – 1530) – The Founder of the Mughal Empire

Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire and one of the most influential and powerful people. To know more about Babur you must read the information and facts that easily describe him.

• Babur was born in 1483 in Andijan in the Fergana (now in Uzbekistan). He was a descendant of both Genghis Khan and Timur (Tamerlane), two renowned Central Asian rulers.
• In 1504, at the age of 21, Babur became the ruler of a small kingdom in what is now Afghanistan. Over the next decade, he engaged in a series of battles against other Central Asian rulers to expand his territory.
• Following his victory at the First Battle of Panipat, Babur solidified his rule over northern India. He then expanded his empire to include other regions of the subcontinent, encompassing present-day Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan.
• In 1519, Babur focused on India, then ruled by Sultan Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi. Babur invaded with a small army and defeated Lodi’s larger force at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Babur was not only a skilled military leader but also a poet and writer, authoring an autobiography, The Baburnama, which details his life and the early Mughal Empire.
• Though successful in battle, Babur faced challenges in ruling, including resistance from local rulers, political instability, and economic issues. He died in 1530 at age 47 and was succeeded by his son, Humayun, who also faced difficulties in maintaining the empire.

Humayun (1530-1540, 1555-1556)

Humayun was the eldest son of Babur and was born in 1508. He succeeded his father as the ruler of the Mughal Empire in 1530 at the age of 22.

• Humayun faced rebellions from his brothers, local rulers, and threats from Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler.
• In 1540, Humayun was defeated at the Battle of Kannauj by Sher Shah Suri and fled to Iran for 15 years.
• During exile, Humayun formed alliances with rulers in Iran and Central Asia and built a strong army.
• In 1555, with the help of his allies, Humayun defeated Sikandar Shah Suri and regained his throne.
• His second reign was challenged by political instability, economic difficulties, and conflicts with local rulers.
• Humayun died in 1556 after falling down the stairs of his library, just a year after regaining power.
• He was succeeded by his son, Akbar, who became one of the greatest Mughal emperors.

History Notes for UPSC

Akbar [1556-1605] Most Powerful Mughal Emperor

• Akbar was born in 1542 to Humayun and his wife Hamida Banu Begum. He was just 13 years old when he ascended to the throne after his father’s death in 1556.
• Akbar’s early challenge was to strengthen his power and assert control over the diverse regions of the Mughal Empire, which were governed by nobles, local rulers, and religious leaders.
• He introduced important reforms, including religious tolerance, a new taxation system, and a centralized administration with a strong bureaucracy.
• Akbar was a patron of the arts, and his court became a hub for culture, learning, and the development of new art, literature, and music.
• His military conquests greatly expanded the Mughal Empire, covering much of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
• Akbar worked to build alliances with various religious and cultural groups, including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, creating a rich blend of traditions at his court.
• Akbar died in 1605 at 63, leaving behind a legacy as one of India’s greatest rulers, shaping the Mughal Empire for future generations.

Jahangir (1605-1627)

• Jahangir’s reign (1605–1627): He faced wars and challenges, including a rebellion from his son, Prince Khusrau, who he later defeated, captured, and executed.
• Military campaigns: Jahangir fought in the Deccan against the Ahmadnagar Sultanate and Malik Ambar, capturing Ahmednagar in 1600. He also had conflicts with Rajput states like Mewar and Marwar, expanding Mughal control.
• Cultural patronage: Jahangir is remembered for supporting the arts, culture, and diplomacy. He built the Jahangir Mahal after capturing Orchha and fought the Portuguese for seizing a ship carrying his mother.
• Religious tolerance: Jahangir was generally tolerant of most religions but persecuted certain groups, like Jains, and ordered the execution of Guru Arjan Dev.
• City building: He founded new cities, including Jahangir Nagar (later Dhaka), which became the capital of Bengal.
• Health and death: Jahangir struggled with addiction to opium and wine, and fell ill in the 1620s. He died on October 29, 1627, near Bhimber while traveling. His body was buried in Lahore, where his tomb, built by his son Shah Jahan, remains a popular site.
• Succession dispute: After Jahangir’s death, a power struggle occurred. His wife, Nur Jahan, supported her son-in-law Shahryar, but Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) eventually took the throne after executing Shahryar and the puppet ruler Dawar Bakhsh. Khurram became emperor in February 1628.

Shah Jahan (1627-1658)

• Shah Jahan was born in 1592 as the third son of Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan. He was given the name Prince Khurram, but later adopted the name Shah Jahan, which means “King of the World.”
• Shah Jahan is best known for commissioning some of the most iconic buildings in Indian history, including the Taj Mahal, which was built as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
• During Shah Jahan’s reign, the Mughal Empire reached the height of its power and wealth, with a strong centralized government and a rich culture of art, music, and literature.
• However, Shah Jahan’s reign was also marked by conflict and rebellion, including a war with the Persian Empire and a power struggle between his sons for the throne.
• Shah Jahan was eventually deposed by his own son Aurangzeb in 1658 and spent the rest of his life in captivity in Agra Fort, where he could see the Taj Mahal from his window.
• Despite his downfall, Shah Jahan remains a symbol of the Mughal Empire’s cultural and architectural achievements, and his legacy can be seen in the many iconic structures he commissioned during his reign.

Also Read: Anglo-Maratha War

Aurangzeb (1658-1707)

• Aurangzeb was born in 1618 as the third son of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. He was initially not seen as a strong contender for the throne, but he was able to outmaneuver his brothers in a power struggle and eventually became emperor.
• Aurangzeb is often seen as a controversial figure in Indian history, as he was known for his strict adherence to Islamic law and his efforts to impose it on the entire population of the empire.
• Aurangzeb was also known for his military campaigns, which included wars against the Maratha Confederacy, the Mewar kingdom, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.
• Despite his military victories, Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by economic decline, political instability, and widespread rebellion. He was criticized for his harsh policies towards non-Muslims, including the imposition of a jizya tax on Hindus and the destruction of temples and other non-Muslim religious sites.
• Aurangzeb died in 1707 at the age of 88, after a long and controversial reign. Despite his many accomplishments as a military leader and administrator, his legacy is often overshadowed by his strict religious policies and the unrest that marked the later years of his reign.

Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712)

Bahadur Shah, I was the seventh Mughal emperor and the eldest son of Aurangzeb. He faced numerous challenges during his short reign, including a rebellion by his half-brother Azam Shah and a conflict with the Sikhs.

Jahandar Shah (1712-1713)

Jahandar Shah was the son of Bahadur Shah I and ruled for only one year before being deposed and killed by his nephew Farrukhsiyar.

Farrukhsiyar (1713-1719)

Farrukhsiyar was the grandson of Bahadur Shah I and ruled during a time of political instability and conflict, including a rebellion by the Sikh leader Banda Singh Bahadur.

Muhammad Shah (1719-1748)

Muhammad Shah was the great-grandson of Aurangzeb and ruled during a period of relative stability and prosperity for the Mughal Empire. He was known for his patronage of the arts and his military campaigns against the Maratha Confederacy.

Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1748-1754)

Ahmad Shah Bahadur was the son of Muhammad Shah and became emperor at the age of 22. His reign was marked by political instability and the rise of regional powers such as the Nawabs of Bengal and the Marathas.

Alamgir II (1754-1759)

Alamgir II was the grandson of Muhammad Shah and faced numerous challenges during his short reign, including a rebellion by his own wazir and a conflict with the Marathas.

Shah Jahan III (1759-1760)

Shah Jahan III was a puppet emperor who was installed by his powerful wazir, Ghazi-ud-Din Imad-ul-Mulk after Alamgir II was assassinated.

Shah Alam II (1760-1788)

Shah Alam II was the son of Alamgir II and became emperor with the support of the East India Company. His reign was marked by conflict with the British and the rise of regional powers such as the Marathas.

Akbar II (1806-1837)

Akbar II was the son of Shah Alam II and became emperor during a time of political and economic decline for the Mughal Empire. He was largely a figurehead under the British Raj, which had established control over much of India by this time.

Bahadur Shah II (1837 to 1857)- Last Mughal Emperor

• Bahadur Shah II was born in 1775 and was the son of Akbar II. He was selected as the emperor after the death of his father in 1837, but his power was largely ceremonial due to the British control over much of India.
• Bahadur Shah II was known for his poetry and patronage of the arts, and his court was a center of cultural activity in Delhi during his reign.
• In 1857, Indian soldiers rebelled against British rule in what became known as the Indian Rebellion or the Sepoy Mutiny. Bahadur Shah II was seen as a symbol of the rebellion, and he was declared the leader of the revolt.
• The rebellion was unsuccessful, and the British forces recaptured Delhi in September 1857. Bahadur Shah II was captured and exiled to Rangoon (now Yangon), where he spent the rest of his life.
• Bahadur Shah II died in Rangoon in 1862 at the age of 87. He is remembered as a symbol of Indian resistance to British rule, and his poetry and literary works continue to be celebrated in India and Pakistan.

Mughal Empire Capital

The Mughal Empire, stretching from 1526 to 1857, experienced multiple transitions in its capital cities throughout its illustrious existence. Established by Babur, Agra was the initial capital from 1526 to 1556, spanning the reigns of Babur, Humayun, and briefly Akbar. These capital relocations mirror the evolving nature of the Mughal administration and contribute to the empire’s intricate historical narrative. Below is a table outlining the capitals of the Mughal Empire:

Administration of Mughal Rulers

Economic Conditions of Mughal Empire

Agriculture: The Mughal economy was mainly agrarian, with agriculture as the primary activity. Land revenue was the main income source.

Crops:

• Ain-i-Akbari listed crops for the Rabi and Kharif seasons.
• New crops like tobacco, maize, chili, pineapple, potato, tomato, and guava were introduced.
• Indigo and silk (sericulture) were important commercial crops.

Urban Economy:

• Craft industries included cotton textiles, iron, copper, diamond mining, and gun-making.
• Karkhanas (workshops) produced high-quality crafts.

Trade and Commerce:

• Political unity and law and order boosted trade.
• Key trade centers: Bengal (rice, muslin), Coromandel coast (textiles), Lahore (shawls, carpets).
• Hundi (letters of credit) helped move goods.
• Prominent trading communities: Banjaras, Bohra Muslims, Marwaris, Chettiars, and Europeans.
• Sarais (inns) supported trade by providing resting places for merchants.

Mughal Society

• Mughal society was hierarchical, based on birth, occupation, and religion.
• Dominant groups: aristocracy, religious scholars, and landowners.
• Nobility included Turks, Persians, Afghans, and Indian Muslims in military and administrative roles.
• Hindus could practice their religion but paid taxes like jizya.
• Rural society had powerful zamindars, peasants, and artisans in guilds.
• Urban centers had merchants, bankers, artisans, and intellectuals.
• Akbar promoted a more inclusive society, despite limited social mobility.
• Society was patriarchal, with women largely confined to domestic roles.

Mughal Empire Literature

During the Mughal era, literature flourished with strong support from the emperors, who encouraged writers and poets. The Mughal rulers promoted literature in Persian, Urdu, and Turkish, which helped create a rich literary culture. Persian became the official language for administration. Meanwhile, the Sufi and Bhakti movements boosted the growth of regional languages like Hindi, Bengali, Rajasthani, and Gujarati, contributing to the empire’s cultural diversity. Urdu also emerged as a widely spoken language for communication during this time.

Mughal Empire Map & Location

The Mughal Empire, which once spanned the Indian subcontinent, covered areas now part of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan. Its capital city shifted several times, with Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Delhi serving as key power centers.

Below is a shared Map of the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb:-

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