Medieval and Islamic History

Din-i-Ilahi was a syncretic religious movement introduced by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1582 to promote harmony among different religions.

Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort, which served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638.

Persian was the official court language of the Mughal Empire, used for administration, literature, and diplomacy.

Ghazi Malik, who served as a general under Alauddin Khilji, assumed the title Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq and founded the Tughlaq dynasty after the fall of the Khiljis. Malik Kafur was a famous general but did not found the dynasty.

Jahanara Begum was the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan. She famously remained by his side and cared for him during his years of imprisonment in the Agra Fort.

Qutub-ud-din Aibak was the founder of the Mamluk dynasty and the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He was originally a slave of Muhammad Ghori, which is why his dynasty is known as the Slave or Mamluk dynasty. He began the construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi, which was later completed by his successor Iltutmish.

The use of the nimbus, or halo, around the heads of royal figures became a distinct feature of Mughal portraiture during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. This artistic element was influenced by European religious art and was used to emphasize the divine right and spiritual status of the emperor. It became a standard iconographic element in later Mughal paintings.

The Jama Masjid in Delhi, often cited as one of the largest mosques in India, was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, was executed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1606 for his support of the rebellious Prince Khusrau.

Akbar took measures to discourage and prevent the practice of Sati, though he did not completely ban it by law. He issued royal firman discouraging the practice and attempted to prevent widows from being forced into it. Jahangir also opposed Sati but Akbar's measures were more systematic. Note: Some historians note Jahangir also actively prevented sati (e.g., his own mother-in-law), but Akbar is credited with broader measures during his long reign.

Persian was the official court language of the Mughal Empire, used for administration, literature, and diplomacy throughout their reign.

Amir Khusrau was a prolific poet and scholar who served under the Delhi Sultanate. He is well-known for his literary contributions in Persian, which was the court language of the time.

Haji Ibrahim Sarhindi was a scholar in Akbar's court who was commissioned to translate the Atharva Veda into Persian.

Tansen, the legendary musician in Akbar's court, was born Ramatanu Pande.

The Tainted Throne is a novel by S.P. Somtow that features Mughal paintings as a significant element in its narrative.