Delhi Sultanate (context of Mughal rule)
The Muslim-ruled kingdom in northern India (1206–1526) that came before the Mughal Empire, setting the stage for Mughal conquest and influence in the region. (Mughals took over)
Akbar (the Great) (leader)
A Mughal emperor (r. 1556–1605) who expanded the empire, promoted religious tolerance, improved government, and encouraged arts and culture.
Aurangzeb (leader)
A Mughal emperor (r. 1658–1707) who expanded the empire to its largest size but enforced strict Islamic laws, reversing many of Akbar’s policies of religious tolerance.
Taj Mahal
A famous white marble mausoleum in India built by Shah Jahan (a leader) to honor his wife, symbolizing Mughal wealth, power, and artistic achievement.
Din-i ilahi
A religion created by Mughal emperor Akbar that blended Hinduism, Islam, and other faiths to promote tolerance and unity in his empire.
Zamindar System
A system in India where trusted local landowners (zamindars) collected taxes from peasants for the government; however, some often kept a portion for themselves.
Sikhism - Guru Nanak
A religion founded by Guru Nanak in the 1400s in India that blends elements of Hinduism and Islam, teaching one God, equality, and service to others.
Jizya Tax
A tax non-Muslims had to pay in India, especially under Aurangzeb, while Muslims did not pay it, showing Islamic authority in the empire.