Height of Mughal India: Akbar to Aurangzeb

I. Introduction

II. The Reign of Akbar (ruled 1556-1605)

A. Social Policies of Akbar

1. Policies Directed at Hindu Elites
2. Policies for the Poor
3. Treatment of Women
B. Last Days of Akbar

III. Mughal India after Akbar

A. Cultural Achievements

B. Successors of Akbar

1. Jahangir (ruled 1605-1628)

2. Shah Jahan (ruled 1628-1658)

IV. Women in Mughal India

A. Elite Women: Nur Jahan’s influence

B. Elite Women: Mumtaz Mahal

1. The Legend of the Taj Mahal
2. Alternate Understandings of the Taj Mahal
C. Condition of Women in General

V. Increasing Power of the Provinces

VI. Beginnings of Mughal Imperial Decline

A. Aurangzeb (ruled 1658-1707)

1. Aurangzeb’s Conquests

2. Aurangzeb’s Religious Policies

3. Example: Treatment of the Sikhs

VII. Conclusion: One Empire to Many States

Key Terms

Akbar

sati

purdah

Jahangir
Shah Jahan

Nur Jahan

Mumtaz Mahal
Aurangzeb

Sikhs

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