The Mughals: Class 7 Study Guide
The Mughal Empire ruled much of India for about two centuries, and its rulers shaped art, buildings and government.
The Mughal Empire began when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Akbar became emperor in 1556 and ruled until 1605. Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb followed. The empire weakened after Aurangzeb's death in 1707.
Akbar expanded the empire and built a strong system of government. He followed a policy of sulh-i-kul, or 'peace with all', and invited scholars from different religions to his court.
Rulers and achievements
| Ruler | Reign (about) | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Babur | 1526–1530 | Won at Panipat; founded the empire |
| Akbar | 1556–1605 | Expanded and organised the empire; sulh-i-kul |
| Jahangir | 1605–1627 | Art, painting and gardens |
| Shah Jahan | 1628–1658 | The Taj Mahal and the Red Fort in Delhi |
| Aurangzeb | 1658–1707 | Greatest extent of the empire; later wars |
How was it governed?
Officials called mansabdars held ranks, commanded soldiers and carried out government work. Land revenue was fixed by measuring land and recording its produce. Provinces had governors, and there were courts and officials in each. Roads and trade connected cities, and the empire's coins were widely used.
At the top.
Ranked officials.
Run provinces.
Collect revenue.
What did they leave?
Mughal buildings such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, Humayun's Tomb and the Red Fort are known around the world. Miniature paintings, gardens, food, music and language such as Urdu developed in these centuries, mixing Indian and Persian traditions.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: In which year was the First Battle of Panipat? 1526. Example: What does sulh-i-kul mean? Peace with all. Common mistakes: mixing up the order of the rulers, and saying that one ruler alone made the empire. Many officials and artists contributed.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Shah Jahan had it built. 2. A policy of peace with all. 3. Babur.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Babur won at Panipat in 1526.
- Akbar ruled from 1556 to 1605.
- Mansabdars were ranked officials.
- Mughal buildings and art are famous.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Who built the Taj Mahal?
- What was sulh-i-kul?
- Name the first Mughal emperor.