In 1526, a conqueror from Central Asia

1
In 1526, a conqueror from Central Asia attacked
India. The conquerors name was Babur and he
established theMughal Empire. The name Mughal
probably comes from Mongol.
2
The Mughal emperors were Muslims. The most famous
Mughal emperor was Akbar the Great, Baburs
grandson. Akbar ruled from 1556 to 1605.
3
Akbar expanded the empire due to his powerful
army. Some of his soldiers rode elephants while
over 12,000 soldiers were horsemen.
4
By conquering neighboring states, Akbar the
Great united northern India under his rule. He
divided his empire into twelve provinces to
rule it more effectively.
5
Akbar was a man of wisdom and fairness. He
promoted religious tolerance and encouraged
Hindus to work in his government. He even
married a Hindu.
6
It is important to remember that Hindus and
Muslims have religious differences that
frequently lead to conflict.
7
Akbar the Great promoted peace and tolerance.
He treated all of his subjects with fairness and
respect.
Other Mughal rulers were not always as fair and
tolerant as Akbar the Great.
8
Shah Jahan was an important Mughal ruler. He
ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal for his
beloved wife who had passed away after
giving birth to their fourteenth child.
9
The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most
beautiful buildings in the world.
10
However, unlike his grandfather (Akbar the
Great), Shah Jahan showed little sympathy to
Hindus and ordered the destruction of Hindu
temples.
11
Many Hindus converted to Islam under the reign of
Shah Jahan.
While some people changed their religion to avoid
special taxes, others converted to escape from
the caste system.
12
After the death of Shah Jahan, the Mughal empire
began to weaken.
13
But the Mughal Empire changed Indias history.
Hindus and Muslims still grapple with its legacy.
14
Questions

• Who was Babur and what did he do?
• Why do many historians compare the Mauryan
  emperor, Asoka, and the Mughal emperor, Akbar?
• Describe the reign of Akbar the Great.
• Who was Shah Jahan and what did he do?
• What are the religious differences between Hindus
  and Muslims?