History Extra podcast The Mughal empire: everything you wanted to know
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Sep 6, 2025 Nandini Chatterjee, a historian and Professor at the University of Oxford, delves into the rich tapestry of the Mughal Empire. She highlights its rise from 1526, weaving together cultural fusion, remarkable governance, and the vice of political turmoil. Chatterjee emphasizes the pivotal role of weavers, particularly women, in shaping the economy and artistry of the era. The discussion includes the enriching presence of Sufi saints, who fostered inclusivity and community, leaving a lasting impact on the subcontinent's spiritual and cultural landscape.
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Central Asian Roots, Indian Transformation
- The Mughals were a Central Asian Timurid dynasty that settled in India and blended Persianate and local cultures.
- They uniquely ruled a majority non-Muslim population and developed a distinctive Indo-Persian civilization.
Babur's Founding Memoir
- Babur founded the Mughal state after invading India in 1526 and kept detailed autobiographical records.
- His memoirs record cultural curiosity and incidents like a poisoned meal that nearly killed him.
Akbar's Cosmopolitan Court
- Akbar created a cosmopolitan, syncretic court that encouraged interfaith dialogue and translations of Sanskrit works into Persian.
- His policies and marriages with Rajputs forged administrative and cultural accommodation across communities.