Political, Legal and Military History of India: Vol.5: Mughal Empire in India : Their Political, Legal, Social, Cultural, Religious and Military Systems
Contents : Preface. 1. Architects of Mughal empire in India. 2. Conception of sovereignty in Islamic state. 3. Principles of law in the mughal empire. 4. Administration of justice in Mughal India. 5. Akbar--the cosmopolitan emperor of Hindustan. 6. Akbar’s Queen Mary. 7. Some aspects of Akbar’s divine faith. 8. Mughals’ diplomacy vis-à-vis Rajput states. 9. The Mughal kingship--political and legal aspects. 10. Early Mughal rulers and their nobility. 11. Taxation and financial administration under the mughals. 12. Mughal empire in India--its impact and synthesis. 13. Mughals’ relations with the Sikhs. 14. Hinduism according to Muslim Sufis. 15. Marriage and divorce under the Mughals. 16. Murder and its punishment during the Mughal period. 17. Aurangzeb--the ruin of Mughal Empire. 18. Aurangzeb’s character. 19. The death of Aurangzeb and after. 20. Jizyah (religious tax) in the post Aurangzeb period. 21. The impact of Islam upon Hindu civilization. 22. Military organisation of the Surs. 23. The Mansabdari (Army) system of Mughal emperor. 24. The Mughal cavalry. Select bibliography. Index.
"It is said that ‘The British with the help of new-found weapons, new system of warfare and military training and discipline after the European model did the same to the Mughals in the 18th century what the Mughals had done to the Pathans in the 16th century’. In addition, acquisition of wealth, hot climate and luxurious living made the Pathans oir Lodi soldiers and their commanders lazy, inefficient and easy-going. India was a congeries of states at the opening of the 16th century and became easy prey to the Mughals’ superiority in arms, morale and discipline. The Sultan’s regime fell to the enterprising and hardy Mughals. After ruling India for over 200 years, the Mughals’ Imperical fabric was ruined primarily due to the short-sighted policies of the last Great Mughal.
This book deals with a new empire of Mughals founded by Timur and Babur, in its various aspects that is political, legal, social, cultural, religious and military. Subjects examined, analysed and discussed are wide-ranging such as "Conception of Sovereignty in Islamic State", "Principles of Law in the Mughal Empire", "Administration of Justice in Mughal India", Akbar’s Divine Faith", "Mughal’s Clever Diplomacy vis-à-vis Rajput States", "The Mughal Kingship--Political and Legal Aspects" and "Taxation and Financial Administration under the Mughals".
An important subject i.e. the impact and synthesis of Mughal rule in India has been discussed from three angles--"Hindu-Muslim Relations during the Mughal period’, ‘Cultural Conflicts and Harmony in Mughal History’ and. ‘The Problem of Nationalities in Medieval India’. "Mughals’ Relations with the Sikhs", ‘Hinduism According to Muslim Sufis" and "The Impact of Islam upon Hindu civilization" from separate chapters. Four articles are devoted to Aurangzeb and his policies. Lastly the military organisation and reforms, the Mansabdari System and Mughal cavalry as a backbone to Mughals’ political, legal, social and religious power have been discussed.
Men who are infused with a faith will beat one who have no faith. Those who are concerned with practical question of defence ought to realise the importance of ideals". (jacket)
