Contribution of the Mughals in Various Fields

The Mughal rulers made a great contribution in various fields i.e. administrative, cultural, economic, political and religious.

Administrative contribution:

Several aspects of the Mughal administration were adopted not only by the Rajput and Maratha rulers but also by the British.

The land revenue system introduced by Akbar exists even todays of course, with a few changes. Several rules and regulations adopted by modern administrators derive their origin to the Mughals.

Economic Development:

The Mughal rulers established royal ‘Karkhanas’ and made a notable contribution to the development of handicrafts.

On account of industrial development the balance of trade remained in favour of India.

Political development:

The Mughal rulers provided political unity to India. Several parts of the country came under one administration.

Religious development:

Divergent views are expressed on this issue. Some scholars greatly highlight the positive effect of the Sufi and Bhakti movements. There are others who are of the view that the effect of these movements was very limited.

Negative contribution:

Before the partition of the country, it was believed in certain quarters that the Mughal period in general was a period of religious harmony. Whether the British were responsible or not for the great divide of the Hindus and the Muslims, the fact remains that the two-nation theory was accepted and it resulted in the partition of the country. Akbar’s liberal influence was overshadowed by the fanatic influence of Aurangzeb.

Secondly, scientific and technical development was not given its due importance.

Thirdly, scientific development led to blind faith.

Fourthly, naval power was neglected.

Fifthly, female education was not given its due attention.