The Mughal Empire, c.1526–c.1707 WJEC GCSE

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WJEC GCSE The Mughal Empire, c.1526–c.1707

Written examination: 1 hour 30% of qualification 60 marks 

Unit 3: A study of a period in world history

The purpose of this unit is to provide an overview of an extended historical period enabling learners to explore key concepts.

Centres can choose one of the three periods of study: medieval, early modern or modern, not repeating a period studied in Unit 1 or 2. Centres will choose one of two options within the period.

Learners will study one of six historical topics to undertake a study of a period in world history.

Learners should be able demonstrate skills of analysis and evaluation when engaging with sources that relate to the selected historical topic and historical interpretations that encompass contrasting views of events and people.

Learners should also be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of the following historical concepts in the context of their chosen historical topic:
• continuity and change
• similarity and difference
• significance and impact
• cause and consequence.

Early Modern

The Mughal Empire, c.1526–c.1707

In this topic learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the following areas:

3.4.1 From Babur to Humayan, c.1526–1556
3.4.2 Akbar and the extension of the Mughal Empire, 1556–1605
3.4.3 Expansion and stability under the rule of Jahangir, 1605–1627
3.4.4 The rule of Shah Jahan, 1627–1657
3.4.5 Aurangzeb and the end of the Mughal Empire, 1657–1707

with the aim of developing their understanding of how the Mughal Empire changed and developed across the period from c.1526 to c.1707.

Content and Amplification

Background: the origins of the Mughal Empire

Learners should be aware of:

  • the origins of the Mughals in central Asia and the reasons for their spread into South Asia
  • the geography, religions and cultures of the region that came to be known as “Hindustan” (Indian subcontinent).

3.4.1 From Babur to Humayan, c.1526–1556

  • the significance of Babur, including:
    • his military campaigns, including the First Battle of Panipat, and the establishment of the Mughal Empire
    • his contribution to the development of the Mughal Empire and its culture, and the challenges facing the Empire following his death
  • the first rule of Humayun, including:
    • the challenges he faced in ruling the Empire
    • the culture, beliefs and organisation of the early Empire
  • Humayun’s loss and re-establishment of the Mughal Empire, including:
    • the Battle of Kannauj, 1540 and Humayun’s exile
    • the significance of the recapture of Delhi, 1555 and Humayun’s consolidation of power.

3.4.2 Akbar and the expansion of the Mughal Empire 1556–1605

  • the military conquests of Akbar, including:
    • Rajasthan and the Battle of Chittorgarh, 1567
    • further expansion between 1570 and 1605
  • the court and administrative system, including:
    • the Imperial camps at Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Lahore
    • the role of Mughal officials and methods of revenue generation
  • the beliefs of Akbar, including:
    • the key principles of his divine faith
    • the significance of religious tolerance in the empire.

3.4.3 Expansion and stability under Jahangir, 1605–1627

  • the influence of his chief consort, Nur Jahan, including:
    • Nur Jahan’s background and rise to power
    • her role in administration and decision-making
  • the developing Mughal economy and Mughal society, including:
    • trade with Europe and solutions to trading problems
    • urban and rural society, the middle classes, women and merchants
  • the patronage of the arts, including:
    • the development of new artistic themes such as symbolism, nature and portraits as a result of European influences
    • the development of the Mughal miniature.

3.4.4 The rule of Shah Jahan 1627–1657

  • the nature of Shah Jahan’s rule, including:
    • the luxury of his court and opulent lifestyle
    • the impact of crop failures on living conditions
  • cultural and architectural achievements, including:
    • the impact of religious tolerance and building of religious harmony
    • the main developments in Mughal art and architecture including the Taj Mahal and the City of Delhi
  • the extension and continuation of the empire, including:
    • the wars to extend the empire between 1629 and 1653
    • the impact on the empire of the wars of succession between Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb.

3.4.5 Aurangzeb and the end of the Mughal Empire 1657–1707

  • the impact of Aurangzeb’s religious piety, including:
    • his early actions as ruler, resolution of family conflict and personal lifestyle
    • the complete imposition of Sharia law and the suppression of other religions
  • the attempts at strengthening the empire including:
    • methods of control in the north and south through administrative reform, reactions to rebellions and military campaigns.
    • the threats facing Aurangzeb by regional revolts and breakaway states from 1668
  • the causes of Mughal decline, including:
    • the consequences of the campaigns against the Marathas in the Deccan from 1681
    • the condition of the empire on Aurangzeb’s death.

References for The Mughal Empire, c.1526–c.1707

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