Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the foundation of the Mughal Empire, early Mughal rule and the way in which this had developed by the late 17th century. They end the unit by reflecting on the role played by violence during the expansion of Mughal rule in India.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how the Mughal Empire was founded.

Key Notes

• No single power ruled over India at the start of the 16th century.
• The Mughals came from Central Asia and were led by Babur.
• The Mughals invaded India in 1525 and achieved important military victories in 1526 and 1527.
• The Delhi Sultanate suffered from divisions before the Mughal invasion.
• Many historians date the foundation of the Mughal Empire to 1526.

Vocabulary To Learn

• sultanate: a sultanate is a Muslim state or country ruled by a sultan
• empire: an empire is a collection of territories or countries ruled by a single person or government
• descendant: a person who is related to you and who lives after you is known as a descendant
• conquer: if you conquer something you have taken control of it, usually by using force
• nobles: nobles are people from the highest social group in some countries

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Prior to the Mughal conquest, India was all ruled by a single state.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Akbar the Great Study Guide
• Early Mughal rule Study Guide
• Governance and religious policy under Akbar Study Guide
• Mughal rule in India Study Guide
• The Mughal empire in the 17th century Study Guide