Early Mughals notes for OPSC OAS and UPSC cover the foundation and consolidation of Mughal rule in India from 1526 to 1605. This page explains Babur's conquests, Humayun's struggles, Sher Shah Suri's administrative interlude, and Akbar's empire-building, including the Mansabdari system, Zabti revenue, Rajput policy, Sulh-i-Kul, art and architecture, and the Mughal conquest of Odisha.
Babur (1526–1530): Foundation of the Mughal Empire
Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur founded the Mughal Empire in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.SSC 2017 He belonged to the Timurid dynasty and was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan.
The Tulghuma system was a flanking tactic used by Babur at Panipat, where his cavalry attacked the enemy from the sides and rear while artillery fire disrupted the front lines. This tactical innovation was a key reason for his victory over Ibrahim Lodi's larger army.BPSC 1994
Babur's Background and Early Life
- Babur came from Ferghana in Central Asia and assumed the title of Padshah first at Kabul in 1504 before invading India.CDS 2001UPPSC 2015
- He attacked India in 1526 CE and defeated Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat.SSC 2017
Key Battles of Babur
| Battle | Year | Opponent | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Battle of Panipat | 1526 | Ibrahim Lodi | Established Mughal rule; Babur used artillery and the Tulghuma system.MPPSC 2005 |
| Battle of Khanwa | 1527 | Rana Sanga | Babur declared 'Jehad' to rally his troops; Rana Sanga was defeated.UPPSC 2009 |
| Battle of Chanderi | 1528 | Medini Rai | Consolidated Mughal control over Malwa. |
| Battle of Ghaghara | 1529 | Afghan chiefs | Secured Mughal authority in Bihar and Bengal. |
- Babur did not introduce gunpowder or the arch and dome to India; these were already present before his arrival. His arrival led to the establishment of the Timurid (Mughal) dynasty.IAS (Pre) 2015
- Babur's empire included Kabul, Punjab and parts of modern Uttar Pradesh, but not Rajasthan, which remained outside his control.UKPSC 2003
Death and Legacy
- Babur died in Agra in 1530. His body was later shifted to Kabul, where his tomb is located.SSC 2009
- He wrote his autobiography, the Baburnama (Tuzuk-i-Baburi), in Turkish.BPSC 2012
IMAGE (Map): Map showing Babur's campaigns in India from Kabul to Delhi and Agra.
Labels: Kabul, Punjab, Delhi, Agra, Khanwa, Chanderi, Ghaghara, and the route of Babur's invasion.
Caption: Babur's conquests and the foundation of the Mughal Empire.
Find it: Search 'Babur campaigns map' on Wikimedia Commons or draw a simple route map.
Humayun (1530–1540, 1555–1556): Struggle and Exile
Humayun succeeded Babur in 1530 but faced multiple challenges, including rival brothers and the rise of Sher Shah Suri. He lost the empire in 1540 and regained it in 1555, only to die in 1556.SSC 2017
Challenges and Early Campaigns
- Humayun's brothers—Kamran, Askari and Hindal—were a constant source of trouble. Usman was not his brother.UP Lower 2008
- He was the first Mughal emperor to launch a military campaign against Bengal and first attacked Chunar Fort in 1532 AD.IAS (Pre) 2003BPSC 2008
- He was also the first Mughal ruler to issue gold coins after the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate.UKPSC 2012
Battles Against Sher Shah Suri
| Battle | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Battle of Dauhariya | 1532 | Humayun's early campaign |
| Battle of Chausa | 1539 | Sher Shah defeated Humayun |
| Battle of Kannauj (Bilgram) | 1540 | Sher Shah established Sur rule; Humayun exiled |
The correct chronological order of Humayun's battles is Dauhariya → Chausa → Kannauj → Sirhind.BPSC 1996
Historian Stanley Lane Poole commented on Humayun's death: 'He tumbled through his life and tumbled out of it.' Humayun died in 1556 after falling from the stairs of his library.
Exile and Restoration
- After the Battle of Kannauj (1540), Humayun spent nearly 15 years in exile, seeking refuge with the Safavid Shah of Persia.
- He regained Delhi in 1555 after the decline of the Sur dynasty, with Persian support.SSC
- His tomb in Delhi was built by his widow, Haji Begum, and is an early masterpiece of Mughal architecture.UPPSC 2004
Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545): The Sur Interlude and Administrative Reforms
Sher Shah Suri founded the Sur dynasty, often called the Second Afghan rule in India, after defeating Humayun in 1540. He was a highly educated ruler who received his education at Jaunpur.UPPSC 2007
Administrative and Military Reforms
- He divided his empire into Sarkars and Parganas, appointing officials to administer them rather than ruling directly.CDS 2014
- He allowed village Panchayats and Zamindars to deal with local civil and criminal cases, while also establishing cantonments and garrisons.CDS 2009
- He organised the postal system (Dak Chowki) and built Sadak-e-Azam (Grand Trunk Road) from East Bengal to Peshawar.CGPSC 2018
Revenue and Currency Reforms
- He introduced the Kabuliyat (deed of agreement) and Patta (title deed) system for land revenue.WBCS 2008
- He issued the first silver rupee coin and standardised weights and measures.CDS 2009
- He assumed the titles Hazrat-e-Ala and Sultan.BPSC 2001
Architecture and Legacy
- He built the Qila-i-Kuhna (Purana Qila) in Delhi and his own mausoleum at Sasaram in Bihar.IAS (Pre) 1993UPPSC 2002
- He was succeeded by his son Islam Shah Suri in 1545.MPPSC 2018
- His reforms deeply influenced Akbar's later administration; he is often called the 'Forerunner of Akbar'.
- Sher Shah did not administer Sarkars and Parganas directly; he appointed officials.CDS 2014
- He allowed local Panchayats to function, contrary to the statement that he did not allow them.CDS 2009
Akbar (1556–1605): Consolidation and Imperial Ideology
Akbar ascended the throne at Kalanaur in 1556 after Humayun's death, under the regency of Bairam Khan from 1556 to 1560.CGPSC 2015JPSC 2010 He is considered the real founder of the Mughal Empire in terms of administration and territorial consolidation.
Early Challenges and Regency
- Bairam Khan helped Akbar defeat Hemu in the Second Battle of Panipat (1556), securing Mughal rule.
- Akbar was illiterate but highly intelligent and had a great thirst for knowledge.SSC 2010
- He personally killed Adham Khan, his foster-brother, after a rebellion.UPPSC 2010
Rajput Policy
- Akbar entered into matrimonial alliances with Rajput families, beginning with the Kachwahas of Amber.UPRO/ARO 2016
- He gave high positions to Rajputs like Man Singh and Todarmal.
- Mewar under Rana Pratap refused to accept Mughal supremacy, leading to the Battle of Haldighati (1576), where Akbar's forces defeated Rana Pratap but failed to subdue him completely.UKPSC 2010UP Lower 2004
Religious Policy: Sulh-i-Kul and Din-i-Ilahi
- Akbar abolished the Jizya (1564) and the pilgrimage tax.BPSC 2011
- He built the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 for inter-religious dialogue.WBCS 2020
- He issued the Mahzar in 1579, assuming authority to interpret Islamic law.CDS 2001
- He promulgated Din-i-Ilahi in 1582, a syncretic cult that remained confined to a small courtly circle and did not become popular among the masses.SSC 2019CGPSC 2011SSC 2009
- The policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) was the result of political generosity, religious tolerance, and a liberal cultural attitude.JPSC 2003UPPSC 1995
Administration: Mansabdari and Land Revenue
Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system, a ranking system for officers based on Zat (position and salary) and Sawar (number of horsemen to maintain). It was not hereditary and helped Akbar control the nobility and army.IAS (Pre) 1994UPPSC 2019CDS 2020
The Zabti (Ain-i-Dahsala) land revenue system was developed by Todarmal, based on a ten-year average of produce and prices. Land was measured before assessment, and Todarmal served as a link between Sher Shah's reforms and Akbar's system.RAS/RTS 2010UPPSC 2007BPSC 1994
Akbar's major administrative reforms: Mansabdari system (ranking of officers), Zabti/Dahsala land revenue (Todarmal), and the division of the empire into Subas (provinces). The Mir Bakshi headed the military department.IAS (Pre) 1997
Art, Architecture and Culture
- Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri, including the Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal (inspired by a Buddhist monastery), and Diwan-i-Khas.JPSC 2003
- He patronised the Navaratnas, including Abul Fazl (Akbarnama, Ain-i-Akbari), Faizi, Todarmal, Man Singh, and Tansen.
- Tansen (original name Ramtanu Pandey) was a master musician; Akbar himself mastered the Nagara.MPPSC 2013UPPSC 2009
- Akbar's tomb is at Sikandara, near Agra.UPPSC 1992
Abul Fazl's Ain-i-Akbari is a detailed statistical and administrative record of Akbar's empire, covering revenue rates, the Mansabdari system, and the geography of the Subas. It remains a primary source for Mughal administration.
Odisha Angle: Mughal Conquest of Odisha under Akbar
Odisha was annexed to the Mughal Empire during Akbar's reign. The conquest was carried out by Raja Man Singh, the governor of Bihar and son of Raja Bhagwan Das of Amber.Archive sourceShodhganga source
- In 1590, Man Singh invaded Odisha to suppress the Afghan chief Qutlu Khan Lohani, who had declared independence.Simple English Wikipedia
- Qutlu Khan died before the battle, and his son Nasir Khan initially submitted, paying homage to Man Singh on 15 August 1590.Simple English Wikipedia
- However, Nasir Khan soon violated the treaty and besieged the Jagannath Temple at Puri. Man Singh defeated him and annexed Odisha, merging it with the Bengal Subah.Shodhganga sourceSimple English Wikipedia
- A key diplomatic clause of the treaty placed the Jagannath Temple and its surrounding district under the Mughal crown, and Man Singh emphasised that no harm should come to the temple, conciliating Hindu sentiment.Shodhganga source
- Odisha remained part of the Bengal Subah until Akbar's death in 1605.Archive.org source
OPSC frequently asks about Man Singh's Odisha campaign. Remember: Man Singh (1590) → defeat of Qutlu Khan/Nasir Khan → annexation of Odisha → merged with Bengal Subah → Jagannath Temple brought under Mughal crown but protected.
IMAGE (Map): Map showing the Mughal Empire under Akbar, with Odisha as part of the Bengal Subah.
Labels: Mughal Empire, Bengal Subah, Odisha, Puri (Jagannath Temple), Cuttack, and the Afghan-controlled areas before 1590.
Caption: The Mughal Empire under Akbar, showing the annexation of Odisha.
Find it: Search 'Mughal Empire map Akbar Odisha' on Wikimedia Commons or draw an outline map of India and mark the provinces.
Practice Questions on Early Mughals for OPSC OAS
Who was the founder of Mughal rule in India?
- Babur
- Humayun
- Shah Jahan
- Akbar
Show answer
(a) — Babur founded the Mughal Empire in 1526 after the First Battle of Panipat. SSC 2017
Whom did Babur defeat in the First Battle of Panipat?
- Rana Sanga
- Ibrahim Lodi
- Sikandar Lodi
- Sher Shah Suri
Show answer
(b) — Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in 1526. MPPSC 2005
Who introduced the Mansabdari system?
- Babur
- Humayun
- Akbar
- Sher Shah Suri
Show answer
(c) — Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system for ranking officers.
Who was the first Mughal emperor to issue gold coins after the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate?
- Akbar
- Humayun
- Shah Jahan
- Sher Shah
Show answer
(b) — Humayun was the first to issue gold coins. UKPSC 2012
Who introduced the Kabuliyat and Patta system?
- Sher Shah
- Shivaji
- Jahangir
- Aurangzeb
Show answer
(a) — Sher Shah Suri introduced the Kabuliyat and Patta system. WBCS 2008
Who among the following was the first Mughal emperor to lay the foundation of the Mughal school of painting?
- Babur
- Humayun
- Akbar
- Jahangir
Show answer
(b) — Humayun invited Persian masters and laid the foundation of Mughal painting.
The Battle of Haldighati was fought in:
- 1765 AD
- 1576 AD
- 1756 AD
- 1576 BC
Show answer
(b) — The Battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 AD. UKPSC 2010
Who was the Mughal general who led the conquest of Odisha in 1590?
- Raja Todar Mal
- Raja Man Singh
- Bairam Khan
- Abul Fazl
Show answer
(b) — Raja Man Singh led the Mughal conquest of Odisha and defeated the Afghan chief Qutlu Khan and his son Nasir Khan.
Consider the following statements about Akbar's Mansabdari system:
- It ranked officers according to Zat and Sawar.
- It was a hereditary system.
- It helped Akbar control the nobility and army.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Show answer
(b) — Statements I and III are correct; the Mansabdari system was not hereditary.