The Mughal Empire

The Mughal dynasty ruled a mighty empire in India for nearly 200 years. The dynasty was founded by Babur in 1526. Under his grandson Akbar, India saw a rich flowering of Mughal art and learning.

The golden age of Mughal India began in 1556 under the rule of Babur’s grandson Akbar (then aged only 13). Akbar widened the empire using war and diplomacy. His conquests included Bengal, with its riches of rice and silk. Akbar ruled until 1605.

Akbar was succeeded by his son Jahangir and he was succeeded in 1627 by Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan was a great patron of the arts and paid for many splendid buildings, including the Taj Mahal in Agra. In 1657, he fell ill, and an argument broke out between his sons over who should now rule. His third son Aurangzeb killed his brothers, locked up Shah Jahan and seized the throne. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, expanded the empire to its greatest extent. After his death in 1707 the Mughal empire began to break up.