Mughal Empire Essay Example For Students

Mughal Empire Essay Mughal EmpireThe greatest flourishing of northern Indianculture, art, and imperial strength undoubtedly took place during the reignof the Mughal monarchs of the 16th and 17th centuries. The Mughals wereCentral Asian descendents of the great Mongol warriors Ghengis Khan andTimur. The Mughals seized power and held on to it by using variousmethods. The system of government used by the Mughals was also efficentin helping the Mughals to hold on to their power. But the Mughalsdidnt flourish too long, after the new ruler Auranzeb took control. The Mughals gained power and were ableto hold on to it by Akbars expert use of diplomacy. Akbar addednew territory to the Mughal empire. Along with new territory camediverse ethnicity and problems. To prevent problems Akbar securedthe allegiance of the diverse populations within his empire. At theheight of his political power, Akbar ended the taxes on non-Muslims andpermitted Hindus to build new temples, creating religious tolerance. He also secured Hindu support by negotiating peace treaties. The system of government used by the Mughalswas very effcient in holding on to their power. Akbar divided hisempire into provinces and districts, giving local governors salaries insteadof land grants. This way if the officials were dependent on the centralgovernment for income, they would probably not rebel. Akbar set upan efficient tax collecting system and made an effort to ensure that itwas applied fairly. Later years however, when Akabars son and grandsonruled they increased taxes to support military campaigns. However, the Mughals decline set stagerapidly when Auranzeb took leadership. Religious intolerance wasat its height during Auranzebs rule. His policy caused tensionbetween Hindus and Muslims. Hindu rulers challenged Auranzeb, hereacted by reinstating a tax on non-muslims and destroying many Hindu temples. There was constant warfare which weakened the empire. Along withconstant warfare, corruption grew. The treasury was being drainedby corrupt officials. The empire had no money to support a strongmilitary, so they required heavy taxes. Which increased problemswith peasants. He tried to cut non-military expenses by dismissingartists, architects, and historians. By doing this the growth ofthe Mughal culture stopped. Many Indian states withdrew their supportor declared their independence. Auranzeb died in 1707 leavinghis decendants to rule a weakend empire.