Mughal Empire Notes for SSC Exams

The Mughal Empire ruled a large part of India from 1526 to 1857, but its real power lasted until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. It is the most important chapter of medieval history in SSC exams. Questions are asked on the rulers, the battles, the administration of Akbar, the buildings of Shah Jahan and the later Mughals. These Mughal Empire notes for SSC explain the whole chapter in simple language, with tables and practice questions.

List of Mughal Rulers

Important Battles

Akbar and His Administration

Akbar made the empire strong through religious tolerance and a good system of government.

• Mansabdari system: Every officer got a rank (mansab) with zat (personal rank) and sawar (number of horsemen).
• Land revenue: Raja Todar Mal introduced the Zabt system and the Dahsala system, based on measurement and the average of ten years.
• Religion: He abolished the Jizya in 1564 and the pilgrim tax, built the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri and started Din-i-Ilahi in 1582.
• Navratnas: Birbal, Todar Mal, Abul Fazl, Faizi, Tansen, Man Singh, Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana and others.
• Books: Abul Fazl wrote Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari.

Architecture of the Mughals

Aurangzeb and the Decline of the Mughals

• Aurangzeb's policies and the long Deccan wars weakened the treasury and the army.
• The Marathas under Shivaji, the Sikhs, the Jats and the Rajputs revolted against the Mughal rule.
• After 1707, weak rulers and the rise of regional states reduced the power of the empire.
• Nadir Shah invaded Delhi in 1739 and took away the Peacock Throne and the Kohinoor diamond.
• The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was exiled after the Revolt of 1857.

Quick Tips

• Memorise the rulers in the order Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, with one famous fact each.
• Learn the battles in a table of year and winner, because most questions ask about the year or the opponents.
• Link every ruler with his book or building, such as Babur with Baburnama and Shah Jahan with the Taj Mahal.
• Revise Akbar's administration carefully, because it gives the most questions.

Quick Revision Points

• The Mughal rule began with the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
• Akbar fought the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 as a very young ruler under the guidance of Bairam Khan.
• Mansabdari and Zabt systems were Akbar's major reforms.
• The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan at Agra in memory of Mumtaz Mahal.
• Aurangzeb died in 1707 and the empire began to decline.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Who founded the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: Babur
2. In which year was the First Battle of Panipat fought?
   Answer: 1526
3. Who defeated Humayun at Chausa?
   Answer: Sher Shah Suri
4. Who introduced the Zabt system of land revenue under Akbar?
   Answer: Raja Todar Mal
5. When was the Battle of Haldighati fought?
   Answer: 1576
6. Who wrote the Akbarnama?
   Answer: Abul Fazl
7. Which Mughal ruler built the Taj Mahal?
   Answer: Shah Jahan
8. Which Mughal ruler revived the Jizya in 1679?
   Answer: Aurangzeb
9. Who built the Grand Trunk Road?
   Answer: Sher Shah Suri
10. Who invaded Delhi in 1739?
    Answer: Nadir Shah

How to Practise This Chapter

Make a one-page chart of rulers, battles and buildings, and read it every day. Solve questions from our practice papers and check the pattern on the previous year papers page. To complete medieval history, also read the chapters on the Delhi Sultanate and the Revolt of 1857: Revolt of 1857. The full list of chapters is on the Indian History notes page, and you can link the Mughal period with Indian Geography for forts and rivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire?

Babur founded the Mughal Empire in India after he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.

Who were the six great Mughals?

The six great Mughals are Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.

Who was the greatest Mughal ruler?

Akbar is considered the greatest Mughal ruler because of his administration, religious tolerance and strong empire.

What was the Mansabdari system?

It was Akbar's system of ranking the officers. Each mansabdar got a rank that decided his salary and the number of soldiers he had to keep.

What was the Din-i-Ilahi?

Din-i-Ilahi was a religious path started by Akbar in 1582. It combined good ideas of many religions, but it did not become a popular religion.

Which Mughal ruler built the Taj Mahal?

Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal at Agra in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Which battles were fought at Panipat?

The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526, the Second in 1556 and the Third in 1761 between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Who was the last powerful Mughal emperor?

Aurangzeb was the last powerful Mughal emperor. After his death in 1707, the empire began to decline.

Who was the last Mughal emperor?

Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor. The British exiled him to Rangoon after the Revolt of 1857.

What is the difference between the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire?

The Delhi Sultanate ruled from 1206 to 1526 under five dynasties, while the Mughal Empire started in 1526 with Babur and lasted until 1857.

How can I remember the Mughal rulers easily?

Learn them in order with their periods, one important battle or building for each ruler, and revise a short table every week.

How many questions come from the Mughal Empire in SSC exams?

Usually one or two questions come from the Mughal period in SSC General Awareness papers, but the number changes every year.