EVS / History -- Class 4

Topic: The Mughal Empire
Name: ____________________________Class: 4Date: ________________
Learning Objectives
Let Us Begin!

Have you seen pictures of the Taj Mahal or the Red Fort? These beautiful buildings were built by the Mughal emperors who ruled a large part of India for over 300 years (from 1526 to 1857). The Mughals came from Central Asia and made India their home. They built grand palaces, forts, and gardens.

Important Mughal Emperors
EmperorRuledKnown For
Babur1526-1530Founded the Mughal Empire. Won the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Loved gardens.
Humayun1530-1556Son of Babur. Lost his kingdom but won it back. Humayun's Tomb in Delhi is famous.
Akbar1556-1605Greatest Mughal emperor. Believed in treating all religions equally. Built Fatehpur Sikri. Started Din-i-Ilahi.
Jahangir1605-1627Son of Akbar. Loved art and nature. Known for his sense of justice (Chain of Justice).
Shah Jahan1627-1658Built the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. Called the "Builder Emperor."
Aurangzeb1658-1707Last powerful Mughal emperor. Expanded the empire to its largest size.
Akbar the Great

Akbar became emperor at the age of just 13! He could not read or write, but he was very wise. He invited scholars, artists, and musicians to his court. His court had nine gems (Navaratnas) -- nine brilliant people including Birbal (known for his wit), Tansen (a great musician), and Todar Mal (who managed the treasury).

Akbar believed that all religions should be respected. He married a Hindu princess and celebrated festivals of all religions.

Think about it -- Akbar could not read, yet he became one of the greatest rulers. What does this tell us about learning?

Key Words and Meanings
WordMeaning
EmpireA large area of land ruled by one powerful person (emperor)
EmperorThe ruler of an empire
DynastyA series of rulers from the same family
ArchitectureThe art of designing and building structures
NavaratnasNine gems -- the nine brilliant people in Akbar's court
Mughal Architecture

The Mughals were master builders. They used white marble, red sandstone, precious stones, and beautiful gardens. Their buildings have domes, arches, and minarets. The Taj Mahal took 22 years and 20,000 workers to build!

EVS / History -- Class 4 (continued)

Topic: The Mughal Empire -- Practice
Key Points to Remember
Practice Questions

A. Fill in the Blanks:

  1. The Mughal Empire was founded by in 1526.
  2. Akbar became emperor at the age of .
  3. The Taj Mahal was built by .
  4. Akbar's court had nine brilliant people called .
  5. was a great musician in Akbar's court.

B. Multiple Choice Questions:

  1. Who is called the "Builder Emperor"?
    (a) Akbar(b) Babur(c) Shah Jahan(d) Aurangzeb
  2. Which battle did Babur win to start the Mughal Empire?
    (a) Battle of Plassey(b) Battle of Panipat(c) Battle of Haldighati
  3. Birbal was known for his:
    (a) Music(b) Painting(c) Wit and wisdom(d) Fighting

C. Who Am I?

  1. I built the Taj Mahal for my wife. I am .
  2. I was a great musician in Akbar's court. I am .
  3. I founded the Mughal Empire. I am .
  4. I respected all religions and had Navaratnas. I am .

D. Short Answer Questions:

  1. Why is Akbar called "Akbar the Great"?
  2. Name any three Mughal buildings.
Think and Do -- Fun Activity

Mughal Timeline: Draw a simple timeline showing the six Mughal emperors in order. Write their names and the years they ruled.

Akbar's Court: If you were one of Akbar's Navaratnas, what talent would you bring to the court? Write 2 sentences.