Mughal Empire and the Rise of European Powers in India
Domain focus
This section tests Mughal state-building from Babur to Aurangzeb and the entry of European trading companies, ending with British political ascendancy.
Core concepts
- Babur won the First Battle of Panipat in 1526; Akbar built the mansabdari system and promoted sulh-i kul.
- Akbar revenue administration drew on Todar Mal; Shah Jahan patronised the Taj Mahal; Aurangzeb expanded into the Deccan.
- Mughal decline involved succession wars, agrarian pressure, regional rebellion and European competition.
- Portuguese: Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498; Goa became a base.
- English East India Company was chartered in 1600; Battle of Plassey in 1757 boosted British power.
Worked example
A question asks how Akbar integrated elites. Reasoning: mansabdari assigned ranks and revenue obligations, while alliance and religious tolerance brought Rajput and other groups into service. This was a political system, not merely personal tolerance.
Traps
Mughal decline was not caused by Aurangzeb alone. European companies were chartered traders that became territorial powers. Do not confuse Plassey with Panipat. Do not treat Mughal revenue as uniform across India.