MUGHAL INDIA

BABUR & AKBAR• Babur: Founder of Mughal Empire• Akbar (B. grandson) – tried to create a tolerant

Islamic empire– Marriage to other ethnicities– New religion: Divine Faith (incorporated Muslim,

Hindu, Zoroastrian, Sikh and Christian beliefs)– Tolerant tax laws– Economic growth: cotton cloth w. Europeans– Cultural blending of arts– Central authority, strong military

Jahangir, Shah Jahan & Aurangzeb

• Jahangir’s son rebelled – went to Sikh’s (Guru Arjun) for protection….Arjun tortured by Mughals

• Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal for his wife• Aurangzeb – Imprisoned his father– Was no longer tolerant of Hindu faith – Beheaded the Sikh guru for refusing to convert

These problems brought down the Mughal Empire

SIKHISM• Ten Guru’s: guru is a spiritual person, teacher– First: Guru Nanak– 9th: Tegh Bahadur (beheaded by Aurangzeb)

The 5 K’s (Physical articles of faith)kesh (hair), Kangha (comb), kara (steel bracelet), kachha (undergarment) and kirpan (sword) – struggle for justice

Men’s names: Singh (lion); Kaur for girls

SIKH BELIEFS

• One god, cannot take human form• Break cycle of births and merge with god• Follow teachings, meditation, good works• No fasting, idol worship• Equality for all (no castes – Singh, Kaur)• Justice• Chastity, respect for marriage/body• Avoid sins of ego (lust, pride, greed, anger..)