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Revision Notes

Class 7

Social Science: History

Chapter 4 The Mughal Empire

The Mughals (16th to 17th Century) Class 7 Notes: CBSE History Chapter 4

Q: 2. Who was the first Mughal emperor, and how did he establish his rule in India?

The first Mughal emperor was Babur. He was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. He established Mughal rule in India in 1526 by defeating Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, in the First Battle of Panipat. His use of artillery and effective military tactics were key to his victory, which marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.

Q: 3. Why did the Mughals emphasise their Timurid ancestry more than their Mongol roots?

The Mughals preferred to be known as descendants of Timur rather than Genghis Khan for two main reasons. Firstly, Genghis Khan's name was associated with the massacre of innumerable people, which carried a negative connotation. Secondly, they were proud of their Timurid ancestry because their great ancestor, Timur, had captured Delhi in 1398, and they saw themselves as rightfully reclaiming his legacy in India. This association gave their rule more legitimacy in their own eyes.

Q: 4. What was the mansabdari system, and how was it linked to jagirs?

The mansabdari system was a core feature of Mughal administration introduced by Akbar. Under this system:Nobles were given a rank or position called a 'mansab'.The rank determined their status, salary (zat), and the number of cavalrymen (sawar) they were required to maintain.Instead of cash, mansabdars often received their salaries as revenue assignments from a piece of land called a 'jagir'. They had the right to collect revenue from their jagirs to maintain themselves and their troops.

Q: 5. What were the two main Mughal traditions of succession, and which one did they prefer?

The two traditions of succession were: 1. Primogeniture: Where the eldest son inherits his father’s entire estate. 2. Coparcenary: Where the inheritance is divided amongst all the sons. The Mughals did not believe in primogeniture. Instead, they followed the Timurid custom of coparcenary inheritance. A major drawback of this tradition was that it frequently led to conflicts and rebellions among brothers for control of the throne.

Q: 6. How did Akbar's policy of 'sulh-i-kul' or 'universal peace' help in consolidating the empire?

Akbar's policy of 'sulh-i-kul' was a cornerstone of his rule. This idea focused on a system of ethics—honesty, justice, and peace—that was universally applicable and did not discriminate between people of different religions. By promoting religious tolerance and treating all his subjects fairly, Akbar won the loyalty of diverse groups like the Rajputs. This created a more inclusive and stable empire, allowing him to govern effectively and consolidate his power. This policy is a key part of Akbar The Great's legacy.

Q: 7. What was the 'zabt' system of revenue collection introduced during Akbar's reign?

The 'zabt' system was a land revenue system perfected by Akbar's revenue minister, Todar Mal. Under this system, careful surveys of crop yields, prices, and cultivated areas were conducted for a ten-year period (1570-1580). On the basis of this data, the tax was fixed on each crop in cash. The empire was divided into provinces, and each province had its own revenue rates. This system ensured a more stable and predictable income for the state.

History Chapter 4 The Mughals class 7 Notes PDF Download for FREE

Class 7 History Chapter 4 Notes focuses on the Mughal Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. This chapter explores the rise and expansion of the Mughal rulers, their major achievements, and the impact of their rule on India. Key figures like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan are discussed, highlighting their contributions to the empire and their influence on the subcontinent.

Table of Content

According to the CBSE Class 7 History Syllabus, understanding this chapter is crucial. It has main events, rulers, and cultural developments of the Mughal period, helping you to review and prepare effectively for your exams. Also the Revision Notes for Class 7 History by Vedantu simplify complex topics, helping students focus on essential aspects of the chapter.

Access Class 7 History Chapter 4 Notes on The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

The Mughal Empire

It was challenging to rule the Indian subcontinent in the Middle Ages because of the diversity of culture and people who lived here. However, by unifying the subcontinent and establishing a strict imperial government, the Mughals completed the seemingly impossible task, even in a short period of time. Babur was the first Mughal Emperor who ruled old Delhi by winning against Ibrahim Lodi at the battle of Panipat in 1527. The Mughals expanded their territory between the 16th century and 17th century.

Who Were The Mughals?

Mughal Military Campaigns

The first Mughal Emperor was Babur. He seized Delhi in 1526 by overthrowing Ibrahim Lodi's rule in the Panipat Battle.
Humayun distributed the inheritance according to his father's wishes. Sher khan defeated him in the battle of Chausa and Kannauj. This forced him to flee to Iran, but he recaptured Delhi in 1555.
Akbar launched several military campaigns against the Afghans, neighbouring kingdoms and suppressed his half-brother's revolt. During his reign, he captured Rantambor, Bihar, Chitor, Kashmir, Bangladesh, and Beral Khandsh.
Jahangir continued the campaigns started by Akbar. Additionally, he also undertook campaigns against Sikhs and Ahoms.
Shah Jahan seized Ahmedabad and Bijapur. Mughal campaigns were still successfully launched. Shah Jahan defeated Khan Jahan Lodi, who was an Aghan Rebel.
Aurangzeb started a long-winded battle in Deccan. His campaigns in the northwest against the Sikhs and Yusufzais were temporarily successful.

Succession Traditions of The Mughals

The Mughals were not believers in primogeniture rule, in which the eldest son is the heir to the father's property.
The children follow the custom of common inheritance rules.

Mughals Connections with Other Leaders

The Mughal dynasty rulers would campaign very fiercely and almost constantly against all the other rulers who were not in compliance with their rule. However, with the increase in power of the Mughals, most of the Kingdoms made a voluntary effort to associate with them. One of the examples of such a case was with the Rajputs who agreed to get their daughter married to the Mughal rulers in order to receive some higher positions in the court. But then there were some of them who resisted as well. To be honest, the Mughal Relations with other rulers were pretty much hard to define. The Rajputs of Mewar known as the Sisodiya Rajputs didn’t agree to accept the rule of the Mughal.

Upon being defeated in the war by Mughals, they were treated very honourably and provided with their land as some assignments. This particular balance between the defeat of the opponents but not the humiliation did help a lot when it came to extending the influence of the Mughal emperors over the other kings. However, this task of keeping the balance and that too at all times was definitely a very difficult task. Students can have a look at The Mughal Empire Class 7 notes for more information.

The Mughals continued to rule till the 17th century with great results and there were many changes made to the system during the rule of each emperor. All of the details for which can be found in the Class 7 history Chapter 4 notes. Students can refer to these notes to find more information.

Mansabdars and Jagirdars

As the Mughal Empire expanded to encompass various regions, the Mughals recruited a diverse group of individuals, including Turkish nobles (Turanis), Iranians, Indian Muslims, Afghans, Rajputs, Marathas, and others. Some of these individuals joined the Mughal service as mansabdars. A mansabdar was an individual who held a "mansab," meaning a position or rank. The Mughals used a grading system to determine a mansabdar's rank, salary, and military responsibilities. The rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called "zat." The higher the zat, the more prestigious the noble’s position in court and the larger his salary. Mansabdars were responsible for maintaining a specific number of cavalrymen (sawar). These cavalrymen were inspected, registered, and their horses branded before the mansabdar received the funds to pay their salaries.

Mansabdars' salaries were in the form of revenue assignments called jagirs, which were somewhat similar to iqtas. However, unlike muqtis, most mansabdars did not administer their jagirs themselves. Instead, they only had rights to the revenue, which was collected by their servants while the mansabdars served elsewhere in the empire. During Akbar’s reign, jagirs were assessed to ensure their revenue matched the mansabdar’s salary. However, by Aurangzeb’s time, the actual revenue collected often fell short of the granted amount. Additionally, the number of mansabdars increased, leading to long waits before they received a jagir. This resulted in a shortage of jagirs, prompting jagirdars to extract as much revenue as possible during their tenure. Aurangzeb struggled to control these developments towards the end of his reign, which ultimately led to suffering among the peasantry.

Zabt and Zamindars

The primary source of income for Mughal rulers was the tax levied on agricultural produce. Some of these taxes were collected from the peasants by rural elites, such as the headman or local chieftain, whom the Mughals referred to as Zamindars. Akbar’s revenue minister, Todar Mal, conducted a detailed survey of crop yields, prices, and cultivated areas over a 10-year period (1570-1580). Based on this data, taxes were fixed for each crop, and payments were made in cash. The empire was divided into revenue circles, each with its own schedule of rates for different crops. This revenue system, known as zabt, was implemented in areas where Mughal administrators could accurately survey the land and maintain precise records. However, in provinces like Gujarat and Bengal, where such detailed surveys were not possible, the zabt system was not used. In some regions, Zamindars wielded significant power, and if they felt exploited by Mughal administrators, they could lead rebellions. Occasionally, Zamindars and peasants of the same caste would unite in uprisings against Mughal authority. These peasant revolts increasingly challenged the stability of the Mughal Empire towards the end of the 17th century.

Akbar's Policies

Akbarnama contains all of Akbar's works. Abul Fazal wrote this book.
He divided his kingdom into sabhas which means provinces, and a Subedar oversaw it.
Akbar's aristocrat's controlled enormous armies and had access to vast sums of revenue.
He began a religious conversation with the Brahmanas, Jesuit priests who were Zoroastrians and Roman Catholics, and Ulemas in Fatehpur Sikri.
The meetings were held in Ibadat Khana.
This led Akbar to the idea of universal peace or Sulhi-Kul.
Both Jahangir and Shah Jahan followed this principle.
Akbar recognized that religious scholars often emphasized dogma and rituals as being intolerant.

The Mughal Empires In The 17th Century And After

The military efficacy and managerial policies of the Mughal Empire led to tremendous commercial and economic prosperity.
The Mughal leaders and their mansabdars invested vast amounts on goods and salaries.
The jagir is the distribution of income assigned to the mansabdars in the form of wages.
The tax imposed on the peasantry produce was the primary source of income for the Mughal Rulers.
In this economic world, major artisanal groups, as well as richer peasants, bankers and merchants, often profited.
In the late 17th century, the Mughal dynasty declined and independent provinces such as Awad and Hyderabad were established.

Who Exactly Where The Mughals: An Insight

The Mughals were the descendants of 2 different but very great lineages of different rulers who were named Genghis Khan (death in 1227) and the Mongol rule that ruled over Central Asia and China. The Mughals didn’t really like the name Mughals as this was associated with the memory of Genghis Khan and the massacre of many people.

Mentioned below are the rulers of the Mughal dynasty who were known throughout history. Students can refer to the class 7 history Mughal Empire notes for more information.

Babur (1526-1530): Known to be Genghis Khan’s direct descendant, through Timur. Founder of the Empire of Mughals after winning the Battle of Panipat and Khanwa.
Humayun (1530-1540): Had his reign interrupted by some rulers of the Suri Dynasty. He was inexperienced and pretty young at the time. He was defeated by Sher Shah Suri which led to the rule of the Suri Dynasty.
Humayun (1555-1556): He restored his rule which was more effective than the last time only to leave the empire to Akbar, his son.
Akbar (1556-1605): Akbar was considered to be one of the youngest rulers of the Mughal Dynasty and came to rule when he was 13 years old. With the aid of Bairam Khan, Akbar defeated king Hemu during the 2nd Battle of Panipat. Also, Akbar defeated many kings during the Siege of Ranthambore and Chittorgarh. He was also considered to be one of the most successful rulers of the Mughal dynasty.
Jahangir (1605-1627): He was responsible for the opening up of relations with members of the East India Company.
Shah-Jahan (1628-1658): Mughal Architecture and Art reached a pinnacle of success under the rule of Shah Jahan. Not to mention that he was responsible for the creation of most of the beautiful architectural gems known as the Jama Masjid, Jahangir Mausoleum, Taj Mahal, the Shalimar Gardens situated in Lahore, and the Red Fort. Unfortunately, Shah Jahan died under captivity which was insinuated by his very own son Aurangzeb. Have a look at the Class 7 History Mughal Empire notes for more details.
Aurangzeb (1658-1707): Aurangzeb was responsible for reinterpreting Islamic law. He was also the person behind the presentation of Fatawa-e-Alamgiri. Most diamond mines were captured by the Sultan of Golconda under the rule of Aurangzeb. He spent almost half the time of his rule in war with the Maratha Empire. The ending of the rule of Aurangzeb truly marked the end of the rule for the Mughal Empire.

So, these were some of the details about the Mughal empire and the rulers. More information can be found with The Mughal Empire Class 7 CBSE notes.

5 Important Topics of Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

S. No	Important Topics
1	The Rise of the Mughal Empire
2	Reign of Akbar
3	Administration and Governance under the Mughals
4	The Achievements of Jahangir and Shah Jahan
5	Decline of the Mughal Empire

Importance of Class 7 History Ch 4 Notes on The Mughals 16th to 17th Century

Revision notes help us quickly understand and remember key concepts before exams.
They save time by focusing on essential information and skipping unnecessary details.
These notes simplify complex topics, making them easier to understand and use.
They provide practical examples that show how theoretical knowledge is used in real-life situations.
Revision notes ensure thorough preparation by covering all important topics in a structured manner.
They increase confidence by clearly understanding what to expect in exams.
Accessible formats like PDFs allow for easy studying anytime and anywhere.

Tips for Learning the Class 7 History Chapter 4 Notes on The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

Study the achievements and policies of important Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Understand their contributions to the empire’s expansion and administration.
Understand the significant events during the Mughal period, such as battles, territorial expansions, and major reforms. This will help you connect different historical developments.
Learn the important terms and concepts like “Mughal Empire,” “administration,” and “cultural achievements.” This will aid in better understanding and retention.
Relate the concepts to real-life examples or current events to make them easy and more understandable.

Conclusion

The revision notes for Class 7 History Chapter 4, "The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)," by Vedantu provide a clear and detailed overview of the Mughal Empire's rise and rule in India. The notes highlight key emperors, their policies, and contributions to culture, architecture, and administration. By using these notes, students can better understand the significance of the Mughals in shaping Indian history. The notes simplify complex events and concepts, making it easier for students to prepare for exams and build a strong foundation in history. With practice questions and summaries, Vedantu’s notes ensure that students are well-prepared and confident in their knowledge of this important period.

Related Study Materials for Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

S. No	Study Materials for History Class 7 Chapter 4
1.	CBSE Class 7 History The Mughals (16th to 17th Century) Solutions
2.	CBSE Class 7 History The Mughals (16th to 17th Century) Important Questions

Chapter-wise Revision Notes Links for Class 7 History

S. No	Revision Notes Links for Class 7 History
1	Chapter 1 Introduction: Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years Notes
2	Chapter 2 Kings and Kingdoms Notes
3	Chapter 3 Delhi: 12th to 15th Century Notes
4	Chapter 5 Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities Notes
5	Chapter 6 Devotional Paths to the Divine Notes
6	Chapter 7 The Making of Regional Cultures Notes
7	Chapter 8 Eighteenth-Century Political Formations Notes

Important Study Materials for Class 7 Social Science

S. No	Important Study Material for Social Science Class 7
1	Class 7 Social Science NCERT Books
2	Class 7 Social Science Revision Notes
3	Class 7 Social Science NCERT Solutions
4	Class 7 Social Science Sample Papers
5	Class 7 Social Science Important Questions
6	Class 7 Social Science Worksheets
7	CBSE Class 7 History NCERT Solutions
8	CBSE Class 7 History NCERT Important Questions
9	CBSE Class 7 History NCERT Books

FAQs on The Mughals (16th to 17th Century) Class 7 Notes: CBSE History Chapter 4

1. What is a quick summary of the key Mughal emperors for revision?

For a quick revision, the main Mughal emperors and their key highlights are:

Babur: The founder, who established the empire after the Battle of Panipat in 1526.
Humayun: Faced many challenges and was briefly exiled before regaining the throne.
Akbar: Known for expanding the empire, his efficient administration, and the policy of religious tolerance ('sulh-i-kul').
Jahangir: A great patron of art, especially miniature paintings.
Shah Jahan: Famous for commissioning magnificent architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal.
Aurangzeb: Expanded the empire to its greatest extent but his policies led to its eventual decline.

For a detailed timeline, you can refer to the The Mughals Class 7 Notes.

2. Who was the first Mughal emperor, and how did he establish his rule in India?

The first Mughal emperor was Babur. He was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. He established Mughal rule in India in 1526 by defeating Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, in the First Battle of Panipat. His use of artillery and effective military tactics were key to his victory, which marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.

3. Why did the Mughals emphasise their Timurid ancestry more than their Mongol roots?

The Mughals preferred to be known as descendants of Timur rather than Genghis Khan for two main reasons. Firstly, Genghis Khan's name was associated with the massacre of innumerable people, which carried a negative connotation. Secondly, they were proud of their Timurid ancestry because their great ancestor, Timur, had captured Delhi in 1398, and they saw themselves as rightfully reclaiming his legacy in India. This association gave their rule more legitimacy in their own eyes.

4. What was the mansabdari system, and how was it linked to jagirs?

The mansabdari system was a core feature of Mughal administration introduced by Akbar. Under this system:

Nobles were given a rank or position called a 'mansab'.
The rank determined their status, salary (zat), and the number of cavalrymen (sawar) they were required to maintain.
Instead of cash, mansabdars often received their salaries as revenue assignments from a piece of land called a 'jagir'. They had the right to collect revenue from their jagirs to maintain themselves and their troops.

5. What were the two main Mughal traditions of succession, and which one did they prefer?

The two traditions of succession were:
1. Primogeniture: Where the eldest son inherits his father’s entire estate.
2. Coparcenary: Where the inheritance is divided amongst all the sons.

The Mughals did not believe in primogeniture. Instead, they followed the Timurid custom of coparcenary inheritance. A major drawback of this tradition was that it frequently led to conflicts and rebellions among brothers for control of the throne.

6. How did Akbar's policy of 'sulh-i-kul' or 'universal peace' help in consolidating the empire?

Akbar's policy of 'sulh-i-kul' was a cornerstone of his rule. This idea focused on a system of ethics—honesty, justice, and peace—that was universally applicable and did not discriminate between people of different religions. By promoting religious tolerance and treating all his subjects fairly, Akbar won the loyalty of diverse groups like the Rajputs. This created a more inclusive and stable empire, allowing him to govern effectively and consolidate his power. This policy is a key part of Akbar The Great's legacy.

7. What was the 'zabt' system of revenue collection introduced during Akbar's reign?

The 'zabt' system was a land revenue system perfected by Akbar's revenue minister, Todar Mal. Under this system, careful surveys of crop yields, prices, and cultivated areas were conducted for a ten-year period (1570-1580). On the basis of this data, the tax was fixed on each crop in cash. The empire was divided into provinces, and each province had its own revenue rates. This system ensured a more stable and predictable income for the state.

8. What were some of the major contributions of the Mughals to Indian art and architecture?

The Mughals were great patrons of art and architecture, leaving behind a rich legacy. Key contributions include:

Architecture: They built magnificent forts, tombs, and palaces. Famous examples include the Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan, the Red Fort in Delhi, and Humayun's Tomb. These structures are known for their grand scale, intricate carvings, and fusion of Persian and Indian architectural styles.
Art: They patronised miniature paintings, creating detailed and vibrant artworks depicting court scenes, battles, and daily life.

You can learn more about Rulers and Buildings from this period to understand their impact.

9. How did Aurangzeb's policies contribute to the decline of the Mughal Empire?

Aurangzeb's reign marked the beginning of the end for the Mughal Empire. His policies created several problems:
1. Religious Intolerance: His orthodox religious policies and re-imposition of the jizya tax alienated non-Muslims, particularly the Rajputs and Marathas, who had been key allies.
2. Deccan Wars: He spent the last 25 years of his reign fighting prolonged and expensive wars in the Deccan. This drained the royal treasury, depleted military resources, and weakened central authority, paving the way for eighteenth-century political formations to emerge.

10. What made the Mughal administration so effective at its peak, and what were its key weaknesses?

The Mughal administration was effective at its peak due to its centralised and systematic structure. The mansabdari and jagirdari systems ensured a loyal nobility and a strong military, while the zabt system provided a stable revenue stream. However, it had significant weaknesses. The system's success depended heavily on the emperor's ability to control the powerful mansabdars. Towards the end of the 17th century, a shortage of jagirs (jagirdari crisis) made it difficult to pay the nobles, leading to instability. Furthermore, frequent wars of succession and the empire's vast size made it difficult for later, weaker rulers to maintain control.