How did the Mughal rulers justify their authority and legitimacy in a diverse and multi-ethnic Indian subcontinent?
Indian Independence movement began to take shape in its nascent form during the early part of the 18th and 19th centuries before developing into a mass movement in the 20th century. Factors for rise of national sentiment and early manifestation of Indian Independence movement includes: Political disRead more
Indian Independence movement began to take shape in its nascent form during the early part of the 18th and 19th centuries before developing into a mass movement in the 20th century.
Factors for rise of national sentiment and early manifestation of Indian Independence movement includes:
- Political disintegration: British policies such as Doctrine of Lapse displaced the local rulers and disturbed political loyalties and alliances. This created distrust and disaffection towards the British.
- Social disharmony: The indiscriminate destruction of the Indian justice systems and perpetuating decay of religious systems led to destruction of social fabric.
- Economic distress: The agriculture productivity decreased and exploitative revenue and taxation policies of the colonisers impoverished the agriculturalists.
- Cultural alienation: English language was promoted in education and employment replacing local languages which led to loss of indigenous knowledge systems and cultural identities.
- Influential leaders: Leaders such as Raja Rammohun Roy, Maharani Laxmi Bai, Tantya Tope, etc. emerged on to the national scene to awaken the conscience of the Indian people.
- Inspiration from abroad: The French Revolution and European Revolutions of 1848, inspired generation of people to struggle for their rights. Also, the rise of Japan gave confidence to Indians.
The Mughal rulers justified their authority and legitimacy in the diverse and multi-ethnic Indian subcontinent through religious tolerance, divine kingship, cultural patronage, administrative efficiency, and military strength. One key strategy was religious tolerance, especially under Akbar, who proRead more
The Mughal rulers justified their authority and legitimacy in the diverse and multi-ethnic Indian subcontinent through religious tolerance, divine kingship, cultural patronage, administrative efficiency, and military strength.
One key strategy was religious tolerance, especially under Akbar, who promoted Sulh-i-Kul (peace for all), allowing coexistence of various religions. Akbar engaged with leaders of different faiths and integrated Hindu culture into the court, fostering loyalty among diverse subjects.
The Mughals also emphasized divine kingship, presenting themselves as rulers appointed by God. They adopted grand titles and elaborate court rituals to reinforce their divine right to rule, portraying themselves as just and benevolent sovereigns.
Cultural patronage was another critical aspect, with the Mughals supporting arts, architecture, and literature. They built iconic structures like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, which symbolized their power and vision, and promoted a syncretic culture blending Persian, Indian, and Islamic influences.
Administratively, they implemented an efficient bureaucracy with a centralized system of governance, standardized taxation, and revenue collection, ensuring stability and control over their vast empire.
Finally, the Mughals maintained a strong, well-organized military, which helped suppress rebellions and deter external threats, securing their dominance over the subcontinent.
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