Mughal Dynasty

 History of India is really interesting with plenty of controversial incident,rulers,and dynasty. Indian subcontinent very popular among the Greeks, Arab , and Muslim worlds.During the medieval period plenty of invaders attack on Indian subcontinent . Mahmud of Ghazni raided northwestern Indian subcontinent 17 times and plunder the wealth of India famously Somnath temple.After that Mahammad Ghuri invaded India and established slave dynasty. In 1398 CE Timur or Tamerlane invaded northern India and sacked every city which he crossed and . In Delhi Timur almost executed 100000 captives and caused a bloody massacre within city walls. After almost more than 100 years later Babur attacked India but he was not a invader instead he wanted to rule over India and that moment Babur laid the cornerstone of the Mughal Empire which ruled India 330 years and leave a great impact politically,socially and economically.

India before Mughal Invasion - Before Mughal Invasion Indian subcontinent divided in small kingdoms. Rajputana ruled by the Hindu Rajputs confederacy led by Rana Sanga. Delhi and Agra was under the Lodi Dynasty which made them main power in India. Due to Sultan Ibrahim lodi's policy of sheer repression and his rash and impolitic decision and action made him very unpopular and that led his downfall too.His Afghan nobility invite Babur to invade India. Babur easily enter India without any opposition because Rajput also wanted to overthrow Ibrahim Lodi.

Foundation of Mughal Empire - Babur defeated Ibrahim lodi in First battle of Panipat in 1526. Babur was a superior military commander and his army was well organised. He founded the Mughal Empire and when Rana Sanga know about the intention of Babur to stay in India Rana prepared a army of Rajputs and Afghans . The main motive of the alliance was force Babur to leave India . In the year of 1527 battle of Khanwa fought between Rana and Babur which eventually won by Babur . Due to Babur's military preparation and introduction of cannon change the course of battle which gives shocks to Rajput Army. after that defeat Rajput Confederacy shattered which also consolidated Mughal Empire . Babur died in Agra on 1530 CE and after his death Humayun his elder son succeeded and become the second Mughal Emperor. Humayun was one of the most unfortunate Emperor because most of times his own brothers betrayed him and it consumed his most of times and that the reason he lost his kingdom Sher Shah Suri but after the death of Sher Shah Suri and with the help of his loyal friends he regained it in 1555 CE just before his death.Humayun failed to stabilized Mughal Empire but still he managed to regained it.

  Peak of Mughal Empire - When Humayun died that time Akbar was just 14 year old and he becomes king under his regent Bairam Khan who helped Akbar expand and stabilized Mughal  rule in India.Under Akbar Mughal Empire expand with very quickly and mainly due to his  political sense and administration which allow to flourished Mughal Empire.Under the Akbar first time Mughal Empire look stable and dominate Indian Subcontinent. During the rule of Akbar Mughal Empire expand much of Indian subcontinent . Some of historian criticized Akbar for his massacre on Rajput but that also set example for Rajputs and install fear in them which prevent them to make any conspiracy against Mughal Empire. Akbar was a strong personality and successful general and his strong political sense made him different among the other Mughal Emperors. Babur laid the foundation of Mughal Dynasty but Akbar provide stability which was the one reason that despite regular wars and rebellions empire flourished very rapidly. Reign of Akbar strongly influenced Indian History. Akbar was the first Mughal ruler who win the loyally and trust of the native peoples of India which his grandfather and father failed to do. Akbars's policy of matrimonial alliance was another masterstroke which allow him to make peace with long age old  rivalry between Mughals and Rajpoots. In royal court of Akbar he allowed Hindu nobility to acquire high ranks which resulted in exchange of thoughts and blending of culture.According to some historian Akbar was quite liberal on religious matter which also earn him respect and most of time Akbar sponsored religious debates and philosophical matters.He also comes with idea of new religion Din-e-llahi. Akbar adopted the land revenue system which had been used by Sher shah Suri . Akbar believed to die on 27 October 1605 and in time of death Mughal Empire was very much stable and well organised. Salim known by his name Jahangir crowned after the death of Akbar. Jahangir is widely considered to have been a weak and incapable ruler due to his addiction of wine and opium. Nur Jahan occupies an important place in the history of Jahangir due to her control over Jahangir. Nur Jahan married to Jahangir in 1611. It was rumored Jahangir had a hand in the death of his husband. Nur Jahan quickly rose in power and considered as most powerful and influential women at the court. She considered the real power behind the throne for more than 15 years. Jahangir died in 1627 and buried in lahore. After death of Jahangir war of succession arise between princes and Shahjahan emerged victories and killed his other brothers. He was widely considered on of the greatest Mughal Emperor. Shah Jaha mostly know for his architectural achievements although he was an able military commander. Reign of Shahjaha consider as Golden Age of Mughal architecture. During the time of Shahjaha many commissioned many monuments , Taj mahal was one best know for it which he made in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal.In 1657 Shah Jaha fell serious ill which set a bloody war of succession, and among his four sons Aurangzeb emerged victorious and he killed his other brother brutally later his father recovered but then Aurangzed put him under house arrest where he died in 1666. Aurangzeb or Alamgir was the sixth Mughal ruler who ruled entire Indian subcontinent for a period of 49 years. In the war of sucession he emerged victorious and become the ruler of Mughal Empire.He was an accomplished military leader who dedicate his whole life to expansion of Mughal Empire. He was noble expansionist but he also has been described as the most controversial ruler in Indian History. Aurangzeb has been subject to criticism due to his execution of Dara Shikoh, ninth guru of sikhs Guru Tegh Bahadur and Maratha King Sambhaji. Due to these executions he always faced rebellions which slowly weaken Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb was widely considered last effective Mughal Emperor. During his reign he make Islam a dominating force which brought him conflicts with others. Aurangzeb's prohibition on music gambling consumption of alcohol attract criticism towards him which made him more controversial. In 1707 Aurangzeb died in the age of 89 and death of Aurangzeb also considered as end of Medieval Indian History. This is also marked as the decline of Mughal Empire. 

Decline of Mughal Empire - After the death of Aurangzeb Mughal Empire decline quickly due to succession wars and multiple rebellions also weaken the Mughal Empire and weak successor of Aurangzeb which were incapable to maintain the big empire. Within decades of Aurangzeb death Mughal Empire shrieked gradually and emperor had little power beyond the walls of Delhi.                

Decoding History of Taxation

 Whenever we talk about Tax many peoples feel uneasy .Most of peoples afraid to taxes which is happens due to their limited knowledge about tax.I founded it pretty odd whenever someone try to escape or try to save their tax amounts. Most of the times peoples feel tax is very unnecessary things.  so in this articles lets find out how and where  tax  system invented -

The meaning of tax is "estimate" and the concept of tax in has been force during the time of Manu the first law giver. Manu describe Tax in Manu Samriti and described the various ways to impose the tax over traders and artists. There also a different section on agriculture based income. During those times Taxes were given in Gold & Silver. In Shrimad Bhagvat we also can found concept of tax.

  Chanakya's Arthshtra - Chanakya was an ancient teacher ,philosopher, economist, and royal advisor. He was very wise and helped Chandragupta to established a powerful empire. Chanakya was consider a pioneer in economics and he also helped Chandragupta to stable his kingdom financially and introduced the new tax systems and administration.Arthshtra which was written by chanakya deals with tax administration , fiscal policy, King's duty and various other topics. Kosho moolo dhana which means "Revenue is the Backbone" also stated that how much Chanakya gives important to revenue. Chanakya widely known as a great thinker and cleaver diplomat.Chanakya mention various tax and duties in the arthshtra and these tax was imposed on agriculture produce trades,tolls ,and custom duties.

     After Chanakya plenty other kings also add some new laws and mostly laws deals with land revenues because agriculture was main source to generate revenues and also it was the primary profession of the peoples.Land revenue settlement was widely important during Mughal Empire and First Sher Shah Suri organised Land settlement after that Raja Todar mal under King Akbar introduce new land system which is still implement in India.

Type of Tax - In modern time there are two type of tax - 1) Direct Tax 2) Indirect Tax 

    1) Direct Tax - Direct tax are the taxes which you pay directly to government.These tax are directly impose on an individual and it is liability of that person to pay these tax before mentioned dates.Direct tax impose on the income and profit of the person who pay it. Chanakya's doctrine of taxation based on equity and justice so it means that the rich person had to pay more tax compared to poor. This concept of Chanakya also impose in direct taxes so direct taxes impose on total income of individual so individual with higher income pays more taxes rather then less income. Some example of direct taxes are - 1) Income Tax  2) Capital Gain Tax 3) Wealth Tax 

    2) Indirect Tax - Indirect tax is directly not impose on taxpayer or individual rather than it is mostly impose on goods and services which result in their high prices.Mostly indirect taxes like GST or Excise Duty are the taxes which are imposed on manufacturing of goods or supply of goods that paid by individual or businesses. Some example of Indirect Taxes are - 1) GST 2) Excise Duty 3) VAT 4) Service Tax 

Brutality and Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb

 Actually There was plenty of Brutal acts in Mughal empire but some were very much harsh and there was one which fall in this category very much it related with Ghulam Qadir and it related with Mughal Emperor Shah alam II let me show some light on that brutal incident 

Early Life

Ghulam Qadir was the son of Zabita Khan, Ruler of Rohilkhand. Mughal emporer shah alam ll Zabita Khan of high treason. Zabita Khan ally himself with the Sikhs in order to become the official Mir Bakshi(state treasurer) of the Mughal Empire. His son Abdul Qadir was also accused of betrayal.Shah Alam arrested the entire family of Zabita Khan and severely humiliated him after the war with Mughal. Shah Alam ordered castration of Zabita’s son, Ghulam Qadir Rohilla and made to serve as a page in the palace

War Against Mughls -

In 1787, Ghulam Qadir Rohilla, who had reassembled his forces and recovered his father’s lands. He returned to attack Delhi but the valiant Bagum Samru, ever loyal to Shah Alam II, yet again came to his rescue with her forces.Ghulam Qadir withdrew and the Emperor invited back the Maratha leader Mahadji Scindia. Mahadji Scindia was unable to protect Delhi as he was entangled in Central India. When the mercurial Ghulam Qadir Rohilla leader learned about this, it reinforced his longstanding grudge against the Mughals.

Ghulam Qadir Capture Delhi -

Within a couple of days, the combined forces of Ghulam Qadir, Badal Beg and Hamdani ‘took full possession of the city’. The chief eunuch of the emperor, named Manzur Ali, was also won over by the rebels. Through Manzur Ali treachery Ghulam Qadir was able to gain entry into the Red Fort and took its forced possession by disarming the royal guards.

Vengence of Ghulam Qadir-

Ghulam Qadir deposed and blinded Shah Alam ten days later on 30 July. Ghulam Qadir took out Bidar Bakht, son of Ahmad Shah, the ex-emperor, from the royal prison and made him the new puppet emperor with the title of Jahan Shah.

Malika-i-Zamani gave Ghulam Qadir 12 lakhs of rupees to wreak her vengeance against Shah Alam. Shah Alam father Alamgir II deposing and blinding Ahmad Shah, the only son Malika-i-Zamani to gain the throne.

Ghulam Qadir tortured and thrown into the prison all the nineteen surviving sons of Shah Alam. The plunder of the palace and atrocities on the inmates of the Mughal harem, commenced on the same evening of 30 July.

Ghulam Qadir flogged the Princes and molested the princesses. Rohilla tortured and killed maidservants and eunuchs to make them confess location of royal treasures. Ghulam Qadir looted the Red Fort of all the valuables. Rohilla ransacked the entire palace area as well as the mansions of the rich inhabitants of the city.

During the two and a half months of Afghan occupation the royal family had to undergo intense suffering. This resulted in death of 21 prices and princesses within the brief span of two weeks. Ghulam Qadir compelled the queens to go about without their veils.

I guess now you get your answer and also Ghulam Qadir also captured later by Maratha and brutally tourtued and later killed same as Mughal prince or princess but that is other story

Fall of Rajputana

Rajputana the name already told us many things like land of Rajputs or a glimpse of Royal History and culture or I say Clash of Royal egos or Battlefield of India where many times kings shed blood with or without reasons.Rajputana always links with individual whom tales of bravery enough to inspire anyone but also there was a other side of coin too Rajputana also was a place where we saw betrayal and egos . So why Rajputana falls Plenty of reaaons.

1.lack of Unity - Whenever some invaders attack india they came through Rajputana and mostly times Rajputs failed to stop them due to lack of unity or either personal issues . So whenever any Afghan Muslim or mogul or any invaders attack india rajputs never try to stop them instead sometimes they join them or try to take advantage of situations so they can defeat other Rajputana Kings

2.Egos and Ambitions- Every king whoever sit on thorne just wanna expand his kingdom and they do whatever to achieve there goals same happens with Rajputs.There egos sometimes taken them to needless battles which makes them weaker and there ambitions also make them blind so sometimes they did brutal things with other kings which shed needless blood.

3.Lack of Political Will - Rajputana was not a single state or run by a council it was divided in plenty of kings and kingdoms and never think about to United whole Rajputana against any invaders.They just wanna rule and that the reason Rajputana never rule india or delhi due there lack of political will.if Rajputana explore there potential like Mughal or other kings then they can easily rule whole india but maybe they wanna we kingmaker like Rana Sanga and invite Babur who established Mughal Dynasty.

4. Social Conditions - During Rajputana times plenty of social practices which weaker them.Rigid caste system,practice of untouchability,Unfair female conditions all lead them to fall of rajputs it easily make them weaker and due to rigid caste system Only kshtirya can take place in Military which weaker there army and due to this they can't win battles there own . Religion also was the reason due to hate towards other religions muslims or turk they create plenty of needless enemy and when they unites with invaders they only increase there armies.

5.Military Weakness- Rajputs always focus on battles and that the reason there were constantly engaged in wars which make them weaker and Due to lack of learning in the art of war they also never accept the technology which was very much importance during that times When babur came india he also came with the technology of cannons which was quite surprise for Rajputs and also they allow to babur to show his superior technology in battles.The fate of India decided by just few battles And most of those battles fought between unprepared and weaker rajputs who never think about these things so there weakness allow to fall of Rajputana.

 6.Lack of Capable Leadership- No offence for Maharana Pratap or Rana Sanga but there was not a single capable Leader who can take whole Rajputana under one umbrella. Whenever Turk or Mughal attacked there was no one capable Leader who can Take stand and no one in Rajputana was capable military leader who can organised them like Mohammad guri and gazanvi No rajputs knows about battles stregies they all did just fought defensive battles only . India produced no remarkable military commander in the hour of gretest danger to Its society and culture. So Rajputana was responsible for every attack over India during to medieval history and if they did better then history of India surely more different then which we read now