1. The 'Akbarnama' was written by Abul Fazl, one of the Navaratnas (Nine Jewels) of Akbar’s court. It is the official history of Akbar's reign, completed around 1590. The Akbarnama is divided into three sections: the first covers the period before Akbar; the second details the events of Akbar's reign;Read more

    The ‘Akbarnama’ was written by Abul Fazl, one of the Navaratnas (Nine Jewels) of Akbar’s court. It is the official history of Akbar’s reign, completed around 1590. The Akbarnama is divided into three sections: the first covers the period before Akbar; the second details the events of Akbar’s reign; and the third, the ‘Ain-i-Akbari’, meticulously records the empire’s administration, geography, revenue and socio-cultural life.

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  2. The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah was built by Empress Nur Jahan in Agra for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Nur Jahan commissioned this tomb while her husband, Jahangir, was still on the throne. The tomb is historically significant because it marks the transition point in Mughal architecture: it is the firRead more

    The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah was built by Empress Nur Jahan in Agra for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Nur Jahan commissioned this tomb while her husband, Jahangir, was still on the throne. The tomb is historically significant because it marks the transition point in Mughal architecture: it is the first structure made entirely of white marble and the first to use the refined Pietra Dura technique extensively, paving the way for the masterpieces of Shah Jahan.

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  3. Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia dynasty, was the only major state in Rajputana that refused to submit to the sovereignty of Akbar throughout his reign. The most famous ruler, Rana Pratap Singh, treated Mughal suzerainty as an affront to his honor and fought Akbar’s forces fiercely, culminating in the BaRead more

    Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia dynasty, was the only major state in Rajputana that refused to submit to the sovereignty of Akbar throughout his reign. The most famous ruler, Rana Pratap Singh, treated Mughal suzerainty as an affront to his honor and fought Akbar’s forces fiercely, culminating in the Battle of Haldighati (1576). While Marwar (Jodhpur), Amer (Jaipur) and Bikaner all accepted Mughal service through alliance or submission, Mewar’s resistance remained an enduring symbol of defiance.

     

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  4. Sher Shah Suri initiated the systematic practice of issuing 'Patta' and securing 'Qabuliyat'. This reform was key to his efficient and equitable revenue system. The Patta was the deed that recorded the land area, crop type and the precise amount of tax due to the state. [Image illustrating the PattaRead more

    Sher Shah Suri initiated the systematic practice of issuing ‘Patta’ and securing ‘Qabuliyat’. This reform was key to his efficient and equitable revenue system. The Patta was the deed that recorded the land area, crop type and the precise amount of tax due to the state. [Image illustrating the Patta and Qabuliyat documents] The Qabuliyat was the corresponding document of consent signed by the cultivator. This process eliminated ambiguity, protected the rights of the cultivators and minimized exploitation by local intermediaries.

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  5. The Marathas first acquired crucial administrative and military expertise serving the Deccan Sultanates, namely Ahmednagar, Bijapur and to an extent, Golconda. Maratha Sardars (chiefs) like Shahaji Bhonsle, Shivaji’s father, held high Jagirs (land grants) and commanded large forces, learning the intRead more

    The Marathas first acquired crucial administrative and military expertise serving the Deccan Sultanates, namely Ahmednagar, Bijapur and to an extent, Golconda. Maratha Sardars (chiefs) like Shahaji Bhonsle, Shivaji’s father, held high Jagirs (land grants) and commanded large forces, learning the intricate Mughal-style revenue and military systems. This invaluable experience in handling state affairs and managing large armies formed the practical foundation upon which Shivaji later built the independent Maratha state.

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