Similarities and differences between First and second

Generation Muslim Empires

Second Generation: Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal

First Generation: Umayyad, Abbasid and Delhi Sultanate

Similarities• Problems of succession• Warrior Aristocracy• Divided Population• Creative Culture where

learning was emphasized

Differences • Earlier ones enjoyed

monopoly on trade• Later empires had substantial

land based militaries • Later empires began losing

edge to Europeans

The Mughal Empire

I. ORIGINS

• Key Ruler:

–Moved into N. India–Gunpowder

–Islam

Babur (1500s)

II. Empire Building• Key ruler:

– Defeated remaining Indian armies

–Consolidated rule

–Improved conditions of women

–Economic boom—

Akbar

–Policy of Peace between Hindus & Muslims

–Blending of Culture:Famed Cotton

*Child Marriages ended

Indian and Persian

Policy of Peace between Hindus & Muslims

• Govt. Jobs to Hindus

• Religious tolerance

• Permitted intermarriage: Akbar takes a Hindu wife

• Ended Jizya—Special tax on Hindus

III. Apex of Achievement

• Key rulers:

–Series of cultural achievements

–Military conquests and expansion–Capital moves to Delhi

–Red Fort and Taj Mahal

–Draining of the Treasury

–Beginning of the end…Twilight

Jahangir & Shah Jahin

Re growth of citiesContact w/ each other through textile trade (cotton)

Same time period: 1500 and 1600s

Trade facilitated achievement

Delhi & AgraBlending of Indian/ Persian influencesRulers were patron of the artsConnected Art/Religion

Fell behind Europe in scienceApex – architecture (Taj Mahal & Red Fort)

Venice & FlorenceRevival of Greek/Roman heritage

Merchants served as patron of the arts

Secular artMoved ahead of India in scienceApex – sculpture & art (Da Vinci & Michelangelo

Taj Mahal Red Fort

Akbar Style-blending ofPersian/Indian influences

IV. Decline• Key ruler:

–Control all India–Purify Islam–Reverse female gains–Military drains treasury

–Internal revolts–vulnerable

Aurangzeb