By Admin 
People often say that India was once a golden bird and its wealth was lost with the arrival of the Mughals, but many sources of history prove this notion wrong. In fact, it was during the Mughal rule that India reached the highest level of economic and cultural prosperity. Especially the period from Akbar to Shahjahan is considered as the strongest economic situation in Indian history.
According to historians, the time of Shahjahan was the period when India was the largest and richest economy in the world, but it is also true that it was Akbar who laid the foundation of this prosperity. Akbar strengthened the administrative structure, provided relief to the farmers, simplified the revenue system and maintained law and order throughout the empire. For this reason, India remained on top in the world economy for the next 150 years.
Golden Age of Mughal Era
Harmony remained between different castes and communities during Akbar’s rule. Trade grew rapidly, artisans and artists got patronage. The internal markets of the country became very powerful. This was the same time when India’s international identity became that of a prosperous, well-organized and culturally superior nation. After this, Jahangir and Shahjahan further strengthened the empire on this foundation.
Elon Musk and Akbar’s wealth
According to the report of Aberdeen Asia and Money.com, Akbar’s wealth as of today was 21 trillion dollars, which in Indian currency is approximately Rs 1750 lakh crore. According to the Forbes report, the total wealth of Elon Musk was around 500 billion dollars in October 2025, which is approximately (about Rs 41-42 lakh crore) in Indian currency. Seen in this way, Elon Musk’s wealth is like cumin in the camel’s mouth in front of Akbar.
India’s economic power – a quarter of the world’s wealth
Many historians estimate that India during the Mughal period alone had a share of about 25 percent of the world’s total economy. Today it is considered equal to the combined economic power of America and China. At that time, most of the countries of Europe were in poor condition and were surprised to see the prosperity of India.
India full of opulence in the eyes of foreign travelers
During the Mughal period, foreign travelers coming to India were stunned to see the splendor of this place. French traveler Tavernier wrote that there is no shortage of money in India and the markets here are the richest in the world. François Bernier called India heaven on earth and said that the things here were more beautiful and cheaper than those in Europe. The English traveler Thomas Roe was stunned to see the grandeur of the Mughal court and wrote that even the kings of Europe could not match this grandeur.
Shahjahan and the amazing glory of the Mughal court
Shahjahan’s court was the subject of discussion all over the world for its pomp, beauty and luxury. His famous Peacock Throne, which was made of gold and precious gems. In today’s price it is estimated to be approximately Rs 1 lakh 35 thousand crore. Many travelers also wrote that Shahjahan used to get diamonds and pearls showered on special occasions. According to the official website of Taj Mahal, during the time of Shahjahan, the revenue coming from land alone was equal to 20.75 million pounds.
How did India become so rich?
India’s prosperity increased rapidly during the Mughal period due to many reasons. The fertile fields gave huge production of grains, the skill of the artisans gave global recognition to textiles, metal art, brocade and silk fabrics and the trade of spices made India top in the whole world. India was rich in natural resources and almost every item was produced within the country, due to which self-reliance remained strong.
Also read: ‘Can no longer call Mamta Banerjee a sister, now she…’, said Jagadguru Rambhadracharya regarding the construction of Babri Masjid in Bengal.