The Mughal Empire: Expansion and Art

From the mathematical developments made in Mesopotamia, to the pyramids in Egypt, to the intricate black pottery of China, to the highly advanced drainage system in India these ancient cultures have shaped our developments over time. Though they have all contributed to our cultures and thinking, these cultures and cities are unique and very different. Despite this, the overall development and growth of these civilizations follow similar patterns which unite the histories of people all over the world. Ancient cultures and civilization are hard to compare due to their individuality, but despite this the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Chinese Civilizations are significantly different than that of the Indian

Sumerians were known for their beginning contributions to using numbers and characters in writing (Kramer 5). Their art and architecture communicated the same language visually, with inscribed bricks displaying the first examples of cuneiform (Kramer 6-7). These artifacts displayed the love of design. Sketches and drawings alongside the now ruins depicted heavenly scenes and curses against enemies (7). Even unique architecture for vast irrigation systems originated in Sumer

Throughout time empires have risen and fallen and taken various approaches in doing so. Some of these society were warlike, while others focused on intellectual discovery. Among these various societies were great empires like the Ottoman, the Mughal, the Spanish, and the Ming. All four of these great empire ruled at overlapping times but all eventually fell for different reasons. All had strengths and weakness and can be used as a learning opportunity for an empire that came after them. From the Ming and the Ottoman you can learn strength such as religious tolerance and government structure. On the other hand, the Mughal and the Spanish teach us the dangers of over taxing and over centralizing government. In order for an empire to successfully function they must have an accepting culture, a balanced economy, and manageable size.

People, places, and/or things come and go, changing from one thing to another or none at all. In other cases, it is just not people, places, and/or things, it can also be generations or empires. Empires are known to adopt similar traditions or beliefs from other empires. In addition, some empires have similar, but slightly different laws and/or goals. Two of the empires that were similar, but different is many ways are the Ottoman and Mughal Empires.

During the early modern period, two great Islamic states were created. One, covered most of the Middle East, while the Balkans covered the remaining majority of India. The two major Islamic Empires, the Ottomans and the Mughals, both brought major new influences to these regions as well. The Ottoman and Mughal Empires’ influences included great political and military strength, amongst other things. During the early modern period, these two empires established very large territories and new boundaries, resembling Russia’s rule. Also similarly to Russia, both of these empires included a diverse population made up of different linguistic, ethnic, and religious groups. Both the Ottoman and Mughal Empires, while similar, followed their own, separate paths during most of the early modern period. In doing so, they avoided Western civilization and the rest of the world, for the most part. However, contact with the West did increase with time as by the late 17th to early 18th century, “a more substantial Western presence began to affect internal developments”.

The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal societies all relied on bureaucracies that drew inspiration from the steppe traditions of Turkish and Mogol people and from the heritage of Islam, they adopted similar policies, they looked for ways to keep peace in their societies which were made up of different religious and ethnic backgrounds, and they were associated with literary and artistic talents. Military and religious factors gave rise to all three of these empires.

The Mughal culture was influenced by South Asia and the broader Islamic world. The Mughal

Numerous empires and civilizations have risen and fallen in many nations since time began like the Romans, Aztecs, and the Mongols. These empires were powerful with their control over many riches, people and land masses; however they all experienced a decline in power. Throughout history scholars regarded India as a great and accomplished nation. Notable civilizations emerged from Indian culture specifically during the classical period. For example civilizations like the Mauryan Empire and the Gupta Empire are well known zeniths of Indian culture.

Most sculptures are of common people or gods and goddesses. The cultures had architecture play a big part in their art. Both the Warka Vase from Sumerian art and The Narmer Palette from Egyptian art both tell a narrative. Unlike Egyptian and Greek architecture, Mesopotamian architecture is not able to be studied. The Mesopotamian architecture was worn away by time because of the poor building materials.

Throughout time, Buddhism has had a significant influence within Indian art. The evolution of Buddhism can be examined through the use of Buddha in Indian Art. Through detailed research and analysis, the influence Buddha portrayed can be examined through the various pieces of Indian art. Within some of the earliest works of Indian art, Buddha was not shown in the human form. Much of his appearance was shown through a pair of footprints or an empty seat. (Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History) Within the first century AD, Buddha was shown to truly conquer the artistic scene of Indian art. (Heilbrunn Timeline

India’s most recognizable building activity dates to the Indus Valley cities. Among India's ancient architectural remains, the most

An empire can be defined as an extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, formally especially an emperor or empress. The Mughal Empire was in existence from 1526 to 1857 while the Ottoman Empire was in existence from 1299 to 1923. Both of these empires dominated world-wide with major success for many centuries. The history of both the Ottoman and Mughal Empire can be summed up to their dominance in their respected areas, the values and practices they held, the challenges they faced, and the importance both empires had while they were reigning and in today’s world. First, the Ottoman Empire operated differently from other empires from the era; they allowed their subjects to have religious freedom.

Akbar was the third Mughal Emperor of India. His full names is Abū al-Fatḥ Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Akbar. He was born on October 15th, 1542 in Umarkot, India, and died on October 25, 1605 in Agra, India. He reigned from 1556 to 1605. Also during his reign he extended Mughal power over most of the Indian subcontinent. Akbar inherited the empire at the young age of 13. When he inherited the empire, the empire was very shaky. Delhi was his father's capital. Agra became Akbar’s capital after he inherited the empire. Akbar descended from the Turks, Mongols, and Iranians. These groups where the people who predominated in the political elites of northern India in medieval times. He also had a son named Jahangir. Through his leadership of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar gained the name Akbar The Great. I want to explain some significant events during his reign that happened that i think made Akbar a great leader of the Mughal Empire.

The Taj Mahal is a prime example of India’s rich culture. A mix of Indian, Persian and Islamic characteristics, the two decade long project is a renowned “Wonder of the World” that boasts an emotional and romantic history; it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan of the Mughal era in a splendid tribute to his deceased wife. To this day, the Taj Mahal continues to be a famous landmark and cherished piece of Indian art.

at Agar he laid out a charbagh called Hast Behisht or Garden of Eight Paradises,