The Mughal period in Bihar began after the Battle of Panipat (1526 CE) and the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India. Bihar played a strategic role in the Mughal administration due to its fertile land, trade routes, and proximity to Bengal.
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Early Phase under Babur and Humayun
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After Babur’s victory at Panipat (1526 CE), Bihar came under Mughal control.
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However, Sher Shah Suri, a local Afghan ruler from Sasaram (Bihar), challenged Mughal authority.
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Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the Battle of Chausa (1539 CE) near Buxar and again at Kannauj (1540 CE), establishing the Sur Empire with its capital at Delhi.
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Bihar thus temporarily went out of Mughal hands until the downfall of the Sur dynasty.
Akbar’s Administration in Bihar
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Bihar was annexed to the Mughal Empire after Akbar defeated the Afghan remnants of the Sur dynasty.
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Akbar reorganized Bihar into a Subah (province) under Mughal administration.
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Patna (Azimabad) became a flourishing center of trade, dealing in textiles, saltpetre, and spices.
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Akbar introduced efficient land revenue administration (Todar Mal’s Bandobast system) in Bihar, enhancing agricultural productivity.
Jahangir and Shah Jahan’s Period
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Under Jahangir, Bihar continued to prosper as an agricultural and trade center.
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Shah Jahan developed Patna as a key city for trade and administration.
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European traders, particularly the English and Dutch, established factories in Patna for saltpetre trade.
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Bihar’s economy grew rapidly due to international demand for saltpetre, opium, and fine textiles.
Aurangzeb’s Rule and Decline of Mughals in Bihar
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Aurangzeb expanded Mughal authority but faced continuous resistance from local zamindars and Afghan chiefs.
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The Rajputs and Afghan landlords of Bihar often revolted against Mughal rule.
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After Aurangzeb’s death (1707 CE), the Mughal Empire weakened, and Bihar saw growing instability.
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By the early 18th century, Bihar fell under the Nawab of Bengal, though nominally under Mughal suzerainty.
Significance of Bihar during Mughal Period
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Bihar was a center of resistance against the early Mughals under Sher Shah Suri.
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It became a major province under Akbar, contributing significantly to Mughal revenue.
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Patna emerged as a cosmopolitan trade hub, attracting Indian and European merchants.
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Bihar’s fertile lands, saltpetre, and opium trade made it economically vital for the empire.
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The weakening of the Mughal Empire in Bihar paved the way for the British East India Company, especially after the Battle of Buxar (1764 CE).