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| The Mughal Empire | John F. Richards (1995) |
Published in 1995 as part of Volume I: The Mughals and Their Contemporaries, The Mughal Empire by John F. Richards constitutes a groundbreaking contribution to The New Cambridge History of India series. It offers a thorough political, economic, and administrative narrative of one of Asia's most significant empires during the early modern period — the Mughal Empire (1526–1707).
Rather than adhering to conventional romanticized depictions of the Mughals, Richards adopts a critical and academic perspective to investigate the frameworks, institutions, and financial systems that facilitated the empire's growth and longevity throughout the Indian subcontinent for nearly two centuries.
Book Overview
Rise and Consolidation of the Mughal Empire- Commences with Babur's triumph at Panipat (1526) and the inception of the Mughal dynasty.
- Documents Humayun’s challenges, Akbar’s unification efforts, and the creation of a resilient imperial administration.
- Centers on military organization, centralized governance, and agricultural revenue systems.
- Comprehensive examination of Akbar’s rule (1556–1605), notably his religious policies, administrative innovations, and land revenue practices (Zabt).
- Illustrates how Akbar’s concept of divine kingship reinforced Mughal authority.
- Highlights the empire's expansion via both diplomatic efforts and military campaigns.
- Thorough analysis of the Mansabdari system, Jagirdari, and the imperial administration.
- Stresses the significance of record-keeping, taxation, and provincial governance.
- Explores regional resistance and the methods through which Mughal authority was sustained through negotiated power.
- Extensive discussion on the Mughal economy, covering agriculture, land taxation, and state revenue.
- Examines trade relations with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, alongside domestic commerce.
- Considers how urban growth and monetization transformed Indian society during the Mughal era.
Cultural and Religious Complexity
- Though primarily centered on political and economic aspects, Richards also addresses:
- Religious diversity and Mughal tactics for managing Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and other groups.
- Imperial court culture, the support of the arts, and architecture as instruments of authority.
Decline and Fragmentation
- Explores the later emperors, particularly Aurangzeb (1658–1707).
- Discusses how rigid religious practices, regional uprisings, and administrative overreach led to weakened central power.
- Points out the emergence of successor states, such as the Marathas, Rajputs, and Sikhs, following the empire's decline.
Why This Book Is Important
- Rich in scholarship and data: Incorporates Persian chronicles, revenue documents, and European travel writings.
- Offers a lucid institutional and fiscal analysis, making it valuable for students, researchers, and civil service aspirants.
- Moves away from excessively romanticized or nationalist views to concentrate on the practical aspects of empire.
- Recognized as one of the most cited works in Mughal historiography.
About the Author: John F. Richards
The late John F. Richards was a history professor at Duke University and a preeminent authority on early modern South Asia and environmental history. His scholarship melds rigorous archival inquiry with an engaging writing style, simplifying complex historical structures.Who Should Read This Book?
- Students and academics of South Asian history
- Civil service candidates (e.g., CSS, UPSC, PCS)
- Individuals interested in political economy and administrative systems
- Instructors and researchers focused on Mughal and early modern empires
- General audiences looking for an authentic, unembellished perspective on Mughal India
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