The Mughal Empire is generally known for its vast power, art and administrative system, but this period was also very important in the field of education and knowledge. Mughal rulers believed that scholarship and intellectual understanding were as important for strong governance as military power. This is the reason why teachers, scholars and writers were given special respect in the Mughal court. This point is supported by many writers, including Ali M Aziz, Irfan Habib and JN Sarkar. These people have mentioned the traditions of the Mughal court very well in their books.

Mughal princes were not educated in common schools or abroad. They were taught inside the palaces only. Subjects like Persian, Arabic, history, geography, mathematics, literature and philosophy were part of education. Cities like Agra and Lahore were considered big educational centers of that era, where scholars from India and abroad used to come and teach the princes.

Dara Shikoh Symbol of wisdom and spirituality

Shahjahan’s elder son Dara Shikoh is considered the most learned and thoughtful prince in Mughal history. He was not particularly interested in power or war, rather he was inclined towards spirituality and philosophy. He kept in touch with Sufi saints and tried to understand the teachings of different religions. Dara Shikoh believed that the basic spirit of all religions is the same. Under this thinking, he studied the Upanishads and got about 50 Upanishads translated into Persian language. In his famous work Majm-ul-Bahrain, the similarities between Sufism and Vedanta philosophy have been explained. This is why historians consider him the most progressive and educated prince of the Mughal era.

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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.

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When it comes to Diwali, rows of lamps, shining markets and the smell of sweets come before our eyes. Today’s India sparkles with modern lights, but even centuries ago, when there was no electricity, the glow of Diwali was equally special. History tells that the fragrance of this festival reached the Mughal courts also. The walls of the palaces of the emperors, who were often known for their Islamic discipline, were illuminated with lamps on the night of Diwali.

At that time Diwali was not just a religious festival but had become a symbol of the fusion of cultures. From Emperor Akbar to Muhammad Shah included this festival in their royal tradition. In the Mughal Sultanate, it was given a new name ‘Jashn-e-Chiraga’, i.e. Festival of Lights.

Special courts were held on the occasion of Diwali.

Akbar’s era was not only the golden age of Mughal rule but also a period of cultural co-existence. He never showed hesitation in adopting Hindu customs. During Diwali, every corner of Agra Fort and the streets of Fatehpur Sikri was illuminated with rows of lamps. Historian Abul Fazal has written in ‘Ain-e-Akbari’ that Akbar used to hold special courts on the occasion of Diwali. Royal banquets were held in the courtyard of the palace decorated with lamps, in which Hindu and Muslim courtiers used to sit together. His courtiers Birbal and Begum Jodhabai were considered the soul of this event.

The form in which Diwali is celebrated today with firecrackers and fireworks started during the Mughal period. In the 18th-19th century, the Nawabs of Bengal and Awadh patronized festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali and organized spectacular fireworks. According to Dr. Katherine Butler Scofield, fireworks had become common on Diwali by the 18th century. Some scholars opposed this festival and called it un-Islamic, but Akbar accepted it as a festival of love and light. For them, this festival was more than a religious ritual, it was a symbol of unity and harmony.

Between 1720-1748, Diwali began to be celebrated in a royal style during the reign of Muhammad Shah Rangeela. Preparations started weeks in advance in the palaces of Delhi and Agra. Innumerable lamps were lit around the fort and the fragrance of sweets spread throughout the court.

Shahjahan made Diwali more grand

Emperor Shahjahan made Delhi the capital and built the Red Fort and made Diwali more grand. He started the tradition of lighting the sky lamp. In the Red Fort, huge lamps were lit on 40 yard high pillars, whose light spread across the entire Chandni Chowk. The palace would be decorated with lamps, chandeliers and lampshades, there would be music and poetry gatherings in the court and the king would watch the lights from the balcony.

During the reign of Aurangzeb, the celebration of Diwali remained formal. He considered it the tradition of Hindu kings. Nevertheless, the royal families of Jodhpur and Jaipur sent gifts every year on Diwali and people continued to light lamps in their homes.

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In the year 1570, Emperor Akbar returned to Agra from Patan city of Punjab and traveled to several places. During this time, he stayed in the hospitality of local Hakimas in Deepalpur and Lahore. Akbar stayed here for two-three days and enjoyed the feast and then reached Ajmer via Hisar. In Ajmer, he spent a few days at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and moved towards Sikri.

According to the book Glimpse of Indian History, Akbar Sheikh Salim Chishti’s house after reaching Sikri. This was a unique example of that time when an emperor makes a saint’s house his residence. According to Abul Fazal, Akbar’s sons were born in Sikri, which made him look more dear to this place. The emperor ordered that Sikri should be decorated with royal splendor. As a result, a grand palace, stone boundary wall, school, bathroom and market were constructed here. In a few years, Sikri became a rich city, which became famous as Fatehpur Sikri.

Where did Akbar spend most of the time of life?

In these years, Akbar spent most of life’s time among hunting, feasts and courtiers. The habit of playing Chaupar kept him busy with the women and courtiers of Haram for a long time. Sometimes the defaulters of the courtiers forced them to take strict action. In 1572, the rebellion of Mirzas in Gujarat and the activities of Mirza Hakim, the ruler of Kabul, worried Akbar. He sent forces towards Nagarkot and Kabul and prepared for the Gujarat campaign himself.

When did a new turn come under Akbar’s reign

Meanwhile, a Begum of Akbar’s harem in Ajmer gave birth to a son in September 1572. This child was named Danial. The emperor ordered that after a month, Danial should be handed over to King Bharmal of Amer for rationalization.

The establishment of Fatehpur Sikri and the birth of Danial gave a new twist to Akbar’s reign. While on the one hand he gave a grand appearance to his capital, on the other hand he also made military preparations to face the challenges of Gujarat and Kabul.

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The Mughals had a lot of wealth from the grounds of Panipat. Mulla Abdul Qadir Badauni wrote in Muntakhab-Ut-Tawarikh that there was about one and a half thousand elephants and such a treasure from the field of Panipat that it could not be imagined. The Mughal army came under possession.

Dr. Ashirvadi Lal Srivastava has written in his book Mughal India that after the fall of Hemu, his army became disintegrated. His wife and father fled to Mewat from Delhi. Mulla Badauni has written that on the second day of the victory, Akbar came to Panipat and he built the tower of cut ends in the battlefield.

‘Mongol used to consider Islam as his enemy’
The first written mention of this type in Indian history is found in 1305 AD when Turk Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi built 2 towers of chopped ends of Mongols at Badaun Darwaza in Delhi. At that time Mongol used to consider Islam as his enemy.

In 1398 AD, Akbar’s ancestor Taimur Lung cut the heads of the Hindu people of Delhi and built their minarets. In 1505 AD, Babur had beheaded the Hindu Afghans living in the Hindukush mountain and made their minarets. In 1526 AD, Babur cut the head of Ibrahim Lodhi’s soldiers in the field of Panipat and built Mund Chaura.

Mund Chaura was made by cutting the heads of enemies
According to Muslim historians, Mund Chaura was made by beheading the enemies in the war. Babur also cut off his soldiers in this Mund Chaure to fulfill his craze.

What does Ghazi’s title mean?
In 1527 AD, Babur assumed the title of Ghazi by building the tower of the severed ends of Hindu soldiers on the hill of Khanwa, which means lightning on Kafir or falling lightning on Kafir.

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Why did Akbar’s court change their names for Haram’s women? Learn the story behind it

Many years ago, India was ruled by the great emperor Akbar. His court was considered the center of knowledge and thoughts. Akbar wanted people not to tie the old rules only, but should adopt new thinking and education. Scholar Mulla Abdul Qadir Badauni was also in his court. He wrote in his book Tawarikh that Akbar left some Islamic rules and accepted some things of the heretics. Mulla Badauni made many serious allegations against Akbar, some of which cannot be mentioned publicly.

Akbar made this plan in 1582

In 1582, Akbar planned to run a new religion. He held meetings with the intelligent people of his court. In a meeting, King Bhagwandas Kachhwaha asked him that if Hindu and Muslim religion are bad, then what will be his new religion. Akbar thought and stopped persuading the king to the new religion, but continued to work on his thoughts.

Meanwhile, some opponents were sent to southern states. He explained to the rulers there that Akbar has punished them, so that they get shelter in their states with respect. Akbar appointed Qazi Abdul Samee in Delhi and implemented new rules.

Darbari started changing names to please Haram’s women

Mulla Badauni wrote that some courtiers started changing their names to please the women of Haram. He changed the name to names like Mohammad, Yaar Mohammad. Seeing these steps, Akbar tried to change education and thinking in the society.

Akbar called Syed Mir Fateh Ulla and tasked him to teach the children of the rich. Children were taught new ways of calculations, letters and knowledge. Syed Mir Fateh Ulla gave modern education to the children and introduced them to new thinking.

Mulla Badauni protested

Mulla Badauni protested, but it was clear that Akbar’s purpose was to expand knowledge and education in the society. Their efforts gave the children a new thinking and created a new atmosphere of ideas in the court.

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The history of khichdi is very old in Indian catering, but the Mughal period gave it even more royal form. In 1590 AD, Akbar’s court scholar Wazir Abul Fazal has mentioned Khichdi in his famous book Aine-e-Akbari. There is a mention of 7 types of khichdi in the book.

The khichdi of that era was the main material, rice, moong dal, ghee and light spices. The special thing is that Ghee used in Emperor Akbar’s kitchen was sourced from Hisar in Haryana. This shows that ordinary looking khichdi was also prepared well at the court level. Apart from this, whenever Akbar did not have the desire to eat meat, he was served only khichdi.

Jehangir and delicious khichdi anecdote
Jahangir was known for his fondness and hobbies of foreign cuisine. Even among mutton, dry fruits and countless delicious dishes, when they wanted rest, they used to say that all this remove, today I will eat khichdi. His favorite dish was delicious khichdi, which was a Gujarati style khichdi. It used dry fruits and aromatic spices, which used to make it a royal level dish. This story tells that Khichdi was not only a simple food, but also a symbol of royal comfort.

Aurangzeb and Alamgiri Khichdi
Interestingly, Aurangzeb, who was not considered very fond of food and drink, loved Khichdi. His special dish was Alamgiri Khichdi, in which fish and boiled eggs were used. This Alamgiri khichdi went to other parts of the world over time and went to Britain and became Kedgere. This dish is still part of British food and it is liked in English breakfast.

Khichdi’s royal story
The journey of Khichdi shows us that it was not just a dish that was a dish on falling ill, but was present in Akbar’s kitchen as a favorite dish. It became synonymous with comfort and luxury for the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Aurangzeb’s Alamgiri Khichdi recognized international recognition. This proves that khichdi has always been a part of the common man, not only the common man’s food in India.

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