Mughal Empire

Hammam

Zafar Mahal at Mehrauli

During the revolt of 1857, Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal Emperor, was declared the leader of Indian troops due to his symbolic status as the figurehead of the Mughal dynasty. The rebels sought to rally support against British colonial rule by invoking his authority, as he represented a unifying nationalist sentiment among various groups fighting for independence. Despite his limited power and control, his involvement was crucial in galvanizing the uprising against British oppression.

He was old, sick and at later stage looking most at religion.

At the time of Akbar the great.

Shah jahan did not trusted Ayrangzeb.On one occasion Aurangzeb wanted to make money through sea trading.In 1652 Ayrangzeb planned a new port at Kukrallo on the sindh coast,and ordered a ship to be built.But Aurangzeb's enemies told Shah jahan that the Prince Aurangzeb wanted to get rich in order to rise up against Shah jaha and take the throne.Before the port was finished Shah jahan asked Aurangzeb to explain his plans.As a result Aurangzeb seems to have stopped building the port

The Shia and the Sunni

Muslim

Because the Mughals wanted to expand their territories.

Late Mughal leaders' intolerance of non-Muslim citizens weakened the empire.

Akbar demonstrated tolerance in his empire through his policy of religious pluralism, which included the abolition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims and the promotion of dialogue among different faiths. He established the Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic religion that sought to blend elements of various religious traditions and emphasized ethical values. Additionally, he appointed individuals from diverse religious backgrounds to key positions in his administration, fostering an inclusive environment that respected cultural and religious diversity. These actions helped to create a more harmonious society within his vast and varied empire.

Yes, they did marry.

Emperor Akbar won the support of his Hindu subjects through a policy of religious tolerance and inclusivity. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims, promoted interfaith dialogue, and married Hindu princesses, which fostered goodwill. Akbar also established the Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic religion aiming to blend elements of various faiths, further emphasizing harmony among different communities. His governance emphasized justice and fairness, earning him respect and loyalty from his Hindu subjects.

Akbar's annual revenue was far bigger than that of the UK (of the same time). Around 20 mln pound

Akbar had 14 wives (by marriage), not 36. Info-Wikipedia, Akbar the Great

They were many. Rajputs, Multanese, Afghans etc etc.

The Mughal's didn't follow any laws of succession. each time a ruler died, a war of succession started between the brothers for the throne. this weakened the mughal Empire, especially after Aurangzeb's death. the nobles by sitting with one contender or the other, increased there power. Aurangzeb failed to realize that the vast mughal empire depended on the willing support of the people. he lost the support of the rajputs who had acted as pillars of support, but Aurangzeb's policies turned them to bitter faces. the wars with the rajputs had drained the resources of the mughal empire. Aurangzeb's long wars in the south had further drained the treasure of the mughal empire. the invasions of Nadir shah and Ahmed shah Abdali resulted in further drainage of their wealth. these invasions of Nadir shah shook the stability of the empire. the mughal empire had become too large to be controlled by any ruler from one center for example Delhi. nearby provinces become independent. the rise of independent states led to the decline of mughal empire.

Lack of Akbar's wisdom and liberalism

Canvass and oil paint

The grandmother of Akbar, the Mughal Emperor, was Empress Mariam-uz-Zamani, also known as Jodha Bai. She was married to Akbar's grandfather, Emperor Humayun. Mariam-uz-Zamani played a significant role in the Mughal dynasty's history and is often remembered for her influence and contributions to the empire.