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Unit Title

Introduction

Unit 1|Europe : Introduction

This unit explores two of the most powerful empires in Indian history — the Mughal Empire in the north and the Vijayanagara Empire in the south.
We begin with a glimpse into the rise and expansion of the Mughals, their centralized administration, massive army, vibrant culture, and unique architectural styles.
In contrast, we dive into the Vijayanagara rule, known for its strong regional governance, devotion to temple architecture, and rich cultural contributions.
The unit also presents a comparative study of some of the most prominent rulers from both empires, with a special focus on Emperor Akbar of the Mughals and Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara.
We analyze their policies, military strategies, administrative systems, cultural integration, and contributions to art and architecture.
By examining their similarities and differences in history, army, governance, society, economy, and architecture, students will gain a deeper understanding of how these rulers shaped the political and cultural landscape of medieval India.


Let Us Start...

Unit 1|Europe : Let Us Start...

Fig : 1 - REDFORT

  • It is located in Delhi.
  • Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648.
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India's rich history.
  • Made of red sandstone, the fort features impressive architecture, including the Lahori Gate, Diwan-i-Aam, and Diwan-i-Khas.
  • It was a center of political and cultural activities during the Mughal era.
  • Today, it hosts India's Independence Day celebrations, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag.



Fig : 2 - HAMPI

  • It is located in Central Karnataka.
  • Built by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire
  • It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century.
  • It is known for its magnificent temples with intricate carvings.

  • The Tungabhadra River flows through Hampi, adding to its charm.
  • Hampi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, especially associated with the Ramayana.





Let's have a discussion on these two kingdoms in this chapter.

Mughal Rule
- Prominent Mughal Rulers

  • Babur (1526-1530)
  • Humayun (1530-1540) (1555-1556)
  • Akbar (1556-1605)
  • Jahangir (1605-1627)
  • Shahjahan (1628-1658)
  • Aurangzeb (1658-1707)

- Mughal Kingdom in 1707

The existing countries where the Mughals had extended their rule.

  • India
  • Afghanistan
  • Pakistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Nepal
  • Iran
  • Myanmar(Burma)

- History of Mughal

  • The name 'Mughal' is derived from the term 'Mongol'.
  • Babur,the founder of the Mughal Kingdom, was the descendant of the Turkish ruler Timur paternal way and the Mongol king Genghis Khan maternal way.
  • It was the Europeans who started addressing this dynasty as 'Mughal' during the 16th century.
  • In 1526, Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty, and Babur, the ruler of Kabul, fought at Panipat in Haryana.
  • In history, this battle is referred as the First Battle of Panipat.
  • Babur laid the foundation of the Mughal rule in India through this victory.

- Akbar

  • Akbar was a powerful ruler.
  • He was loved by all.
  • He administered equal justice without any distinction of high-low castes, familiar-unfamiliar.
  • He considered Hindu/Christian/Muslim alike.
  • He treated the strong with force and the weak with mercy.
  • He built Ibadat Khana in his new capital, Fatehpur Sikri to gather Scholars and dignitaries of various religions.
  • He created Din-i-Ilahi, his visionary religion by combining the good aspects of all religions.
  • He aimed to clarify the idea that all visions are for the welfare of human beings.
  • He abolished of the religious tax called 'Jaziah'.
  • Raja Todarmal, Raja Mansingh, Raja Bhagavandas and Birbal were prominent among those who held high positions in the royal court of Emperor Akbar.

- The Mughal Army

  • 'Mansabdari' was the military system implemented by Akbar to maintain his kingdom.
  • According to this system, each officer had a regiment under him.
  • The title 'mansab' refers to the number of cavalry each officer is required to maintain.
  • The rank of the Mansab was determined by the number of soldiers to be maintained.
  • This system was implemented as an alternative to maintain army paying directly from the state exchequer.
  • Mansabdars were allotted land according to their ranks.
  • The Mansabdar maintained his army by collecting tax from land allotted to them.
  • Mansabdari system was implemented to achieve the support of the Nobles and the military which was necessary to carry forward the regime strongly.

- The Mughal Administration

  • Akbar's created such an administrative structure.
  • The emperor was the sovereign authority of the country, the commander-in-chief,the law-maker and the supreme judge.
  • There were no separate courts for the administration of justice as today.
  • Local religious scholars (Qazi) investigated and adjudicated disputes.
  • Those who were dissatisfied with this decision had the opportunity to complain directly to the emperor.
  • Ministers and Heads of departments were appointed to advise the king on administrative matters.

- Social Status

  • A feudal social system existed at that time.
  • Society was divided into different stratas.
  • The common man was at the bottom of society with the king at the top.
  • Standard of living of the people depended on wages and income.
  • Most of the people were farmers.
  • Caste system existed among them.
  • Each caste had its own customs and rituals.
  • There existed wide differences in the way of life,food habits and clothing of people from place to place.

- Economic Status

  • The Agricultural achievements were the basis for this economic progress.
  • Rice, wheat, barley,sugarcane, cotton and oilseeds were the major agricultural products of the time.
  • The farmer was not evicted from the land as long as he paid tax.
  • The use of technology and new tools enriched the agricultural sector during the Mughal period.
  • The Persian wheel and canals were widely used for irrigation.
  • Increased agricultural productivity accelerated trade and urbanisation.
  • Gujarat was the gateway of foreign goods.
  • The main export items were textiles, muslin, sugar and rice.
  • Water transport made significant progress during this period.

- The major cities of Mughal period

Mughal citiesPresent countries
DhakaBangladesh
MurshidabadIndia
LahoreIndia
SuratIndia
AgraIndia
- Cultural Integration

  • Dara Shukoh, the son of the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan translated the Mahabharata, into Persian.
  • The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Red Fort are examples of the fusion of Indian Architectural style with the Persian style.
  • Urdu,a new language, was also formed by the fusion of Persian and Hindi languages.
  • Hindustani music also originated.

Vijayanagara Rule
- Prominent Rulers of Vijayanagara

  • Harihara I (1336–1356 CE)
  • Bukka Raya I (1356–1377 CE)
  • Deva Raya II (1422–1446 CE)
  • Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529 CE)
  • Achyuta Deva Raya (1529–1542 CE)
  • Sadasiva Raya (1542–1570 CE)

- Major dynasties of Vijayanagara

DynastiesRulers
Sangama dynastyHarihara
Bukka
Saluva dynastyNarasimha Saluva
Tuluva dynastyVira Narasimha
Krishna Deva Raya
Aravidu dynastyTirumala
Venkita I
- Krishna Deva Raya

  • table: List out the present-day Indian states included in the city of Vijayanagara from the above map.
  • KDR

- Administrative System

  • table: List out the present-day Indian states included in the city of Vijayanagara from the above map.
  • KDR

- Socioal Conditions

  • table: List out the present-day Indian states included in the city of Vijayanagara from the above map.
  • KDR

- Economic Conditions

  • table: List out the present-day Indian states included in the city of Vijayanagara from the above map.
  • KDR

- Cultural Life of Vijayanagara

  • table: List out the present-day Indian states included in the city of Vijayanagara from the above map.
  • KDR

Conclusion

Mughal RulersVijayanagara Kings
Strong, centralized king or emperor at the top.Supreme authority in political, military, and administrative matters.
Provinces were called Subas. Provinces were called Nadus or Rajyas.
Mansabdari system (officials got ranks and land grants).Amaranayaka system (military chiefs were given land in return for maintaining troops).
Revenue officers were called Amils or Karoris.Revenue officials were called Karanikas or Sthanadhipatis.
Generally allowed religious tolerance.Patronized religious institutions and scholars.
important cities are Agra, Delhi, Lahoreimportant cities are Hampi, Penukonda

    The common features :

  • A Centralized Monarchy were prevailed in both systems.
  • Divided their empires into provinces for easier administration
  • Used a military-feudal system and Land revenue supported military obligations
  • Land revenue was the main source of income and Officials were appointed to assess and collect taxes
  • Various levels of officers helped in administration, from the central court to the village level
  • Both empires developed important cities as centers of administration, trade, and culture
  • agriculture was the backbone of the economy and the majority of the population were farmers or depended on agriculture for their livelihood.

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Quiz Date: 17 April 2025