Babur, Sher Shah and Akbar
The Mughal empire was founded, briefly lost to Sher Shah Suri, and then expanded and organised by Akbar.
How it was ruled
Babur won at Panipat (1526) and Khanwa (1527). Sher Shah Suri ruled 1540–1545 and reorganised revenue and coinage. Akbar (1556–1605) built the mansabdari system and a land revenue system with Todar Mal.
How people lived
Akbar's court at Fatehpur Sikri held debates between faiths; his policy of sulh-i-kul (peace with all) and alliances with Rajput kings shaped the empire. Maharana Pratap of Mewar refused to submit (Haldighati, 1576).
What people did
Farming, revenue administration, the imperial army, and workshops (karkhanas) for textiles, carpets and miniature painting.
What people ate
Mughal court food (pulao, kebabs, kormas) mixed Persian, Central Asian and Indian cooking; the Ain-i-Akbari lists khichdi and many other dishes.
Trade
Sher Shah's silver rupiya and the road later called the Grand Trunk Road helped trade; the Portuguese controlled much sea trade.
Region by region
- Haryana: Panipat: battles in 1526 and 1556.
- Uttar Pradesh: Agra and Fatehpur Sikri (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
- Rajasthan: Rajput kingdoms of Amber, Marwar and Mewar; Haldighati.
- Bihar: Sher Shah's home region; his tomb is at Sasaram.
Key events
- 1526: First battle of Panipat
- 1540: Sher Shah defeats Humayun
- 1556: Second battle of Panipat; Akbar becomes emperor
- 1576: Battle of Haldighati
Legacy
The rupee, the Grand Trunk Road, Mughal miniature painting, and Fatehpur Sikri.