The re-establishment of the Mughal Empire occurred primarily under Akbar, the grandson of Babur, after the temporary setback caused by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri and his successors. After a period of exile, Humayun, Babur’s son, regained control over India, paving the way for Akbar’s consolidation and expansion of Mughal rule. This process of re-establishment involved several key events, significant personalities, and pivotal changes in administration, military strategies, and policies.
1. Background: The Afghan Interlude
After the death of Babur in 1530, the Mughal Empire faced significant challenges, particularly from Sher Shah Suri and his successors. The Suri Empire ruled from 1540 to 1555, which marked a period of instability for the Mughal dynasty.
- Humayun’s Exile (1540-1555): Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri at the Battles of Chausa (1539) and Kannauj (1540). He spent 15 years in exile, primarily in Persia, where he received support from Shah Tahmasp, the Safavid ruler.
2. Humayun’s Return to Power (1555)
A. Alliance with the Safavids
- Persian Support: Humayun, during his exile, forged a strong alliance with the Safavid Empire, receiving military assistance that was crucial for his return to India. He was aided by the Safavid army, which played a significant role in his attempts to reclaim his throne.
B. Battle of Machhiwara (1555)
- Reclaiming Delhi: Humayun, with Persian assistance, defeated the Suri forces at the Battle of Machhiwara in 1555. This victory marked the beginning of the Mughal resurgence in India and the re-establishment of Mughal authority over northern India.
- Significance: Humayun’s victory at Machhiwara allowed him to re-enter Delhi, but his reign was short-lived as he died in 1556 shortly after his return.
3. Akbar’s Ascendancy (1556-1605)
A. Early Reign
- Accession to the Throne: After Humayun’s sudden death, his 13-year-old son Akbar ascended to the throne. Due to Akbar’s young age, a regent, Bairam Khan, was appointed to assist him in governance and military matters.
B. Consolidation of Power
- Defeating Adham Khan: One of the first challenges Akbar faced was from Adham Khan, a noble who opposed Bairam Khan’s influence. Akbar took decisive action to consolidate power by executing Adham Khan, which sent a strong message about his authority.
- Battle of Panipat (1556): The Mughal forces, led by Bairam Khan, defeated the forces of the Suri Empire at the Second Battle of Panipat. This victory was crucial in ensuring Mughal dominance in northern India and establishing Akbar’s rule.
4. Administrative and Military Reforms
A. Administrative Structure
- Centralized Administration: Akbar implemented a centralized administrative system, delegating authority to capable governors (Subahdars) and establishing a bureaucracy that improved governance.
- The Mansabdari System: Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system, a military-cum-administrative hierarchy that assigned ranks (Mansabs) to nobles, ensuring their loyalty and effective governance over their regions.
B. Revenue Reforms
- Zabt System: Akbar reformed the revenue collection system through the Zabt system, which standardized land revenue assessments based on agricultural productivity, improving the financial stability of the empire.
5. Cultural Integration and Religious Policies
A. Policy of Religious Tolerance
- Din-i Ilahi: Akbar promoted religious tolerance and understanding by introducing Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic faith aimed at fostering unity among the diverse religious communities within his empire.
- Cultural Patronage: Akbar was a patron of arts and culture, promoting a synthesis of Indian and Persian styles, resulting in a unique Mughal architecture and art form.
B. Marriages and Alliances
- Rajput Alliances: Akbar strengthened relations with Rajput rulers through strategic marriages, integrating them into the Mughal nobility and expanding his influence across northern India.
6. Military Expansion and Campaigns
A. Conquests
- Conquest of Malwa and Gondwana: Akbar expanded the empire by conquering Malwa (1561) and Gondwana (1564), strengthening Mughal control over central India.
- Campaign Against Gujarat: In 1572, Akbar launched a successful campaign to annex Gujarat, securing the western trade routes and enhancing the empire’s wealth.
B. Deccan Campaigns
- Campaigns in the Deccan: Akbar initiated military campaigns in the Deccan region, laying the foundation for Mughal control over southern India, though full conquest would be achieved later under his successors.
7. Legacy of Akbar and the Re-establishment of the Mughal Empire
- Cultural Syncretism: Akbar’s policies of cultural integration and religious tolerance laid the groundwork for a more cohesive empire. The blending of cultures, languages, and traditions during his reign significantly influenced Indian society.
- Strong Governance: The administrative and military reforms introduced by Akbar established a strong governance framework that allowed the Mughal Empire to flourish and maintain stability for decades.
- Transition to Aurangzeb: After Akbar’s death in 1605, his successors continued to build upon his legacy, leading to the zenith of Mughal power under Shah Jahan and later challenges under Aurangzeb.
Conclusion
The re-establishment of the Mughal Empire marked a significant turning point in Indian history. Under Humayun and particularly Akbar, the empire transitioned from a period of instability and exile to a robust and expansive dominion characterized by effective governance, military strength, and cultural integration. Akbar’s reign, in particular, is celebrated for its contributions to Indian society, laying the foundation for one of the most prosperous and influential periods in the subcontinent’s history.
