Medieval and Islamic History

Babur wrote his autobiography, the Baburnama (also known as Tuzuk-i-Baburi), in his native language, Chaghatai Turki. It is a vital primary source for the history of the period.

Babur was a devoted follower of the Naqshbandi Sufi order, which was very influential in Central Asia during his time. His family had long-standing ties to this order.

Akbar had great reverence for the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who resided in Sikri. Akbar credited the birth of his son, Jahangir, to the saint's blessings.

Mahabat Khan, a powerful general under Jahangir, staged a coup and briefly held the Emperor captive in 1626. This event is known as the coup of Mahabat Khan.

Dara Shikoh was the eldest son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. He was a scholar and the intended successor to the throne before the war of succession.

Jahangir is famous for establishing the 'Chain of Justice' (Zanjir-i-Adl) at his palace, which allowed common citizens to seek direct justice from the Emperor.

Bairam Khan served as the loyal regent and tutor to Akbar during his early years after Humayun's death. He was instrumental in securing Akbar's position during the Second Battle of Panipat.

Abul Fazl, the court historian and close friend of Akbar, was assassinated by Bir Singh Bundela at the behest of Prince Salim (the future Jahangir) due to political tensions.

Abul Fazl wrote the 'Akbarnama', which provides a detailed and official account of Akbar's reign, administration, and policies. It is divided into three volumes, the third being the Ain-i-Akbari.

Aurangzeb discontinued the practice of appointing an official court historian to record the events of his reign, viewing it as a waste of resources and contrary to his austere nature.

Khafi Khan, a Mughal historian, referred to Bahadur Shah I as 'Shah-i-Bekhabar' (the heedless king) due to his lack of administrative control.

Jahandar Shah, who ruled briefly in 1712-1713, is credited with abolishing the Jaziya tax.

The royal firman of 1717, often called the Magna Carta of the East India Company, was granted by the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar.

Ghulam Qadir, a Rohilla chief, captured Delhi in 1788 and blinded the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This event is a well-documented tragedy in the late Mughal period.

Ali Gauhar, who ascended the throne as Shah Alam II, signed the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765 with the East India Company following the Battle of Buxar.