Mughal Conquest of India (1526-1700s)
Babur established the Mughal Empire after his victory at Panipat in 1526. Early emperors like Akbar promoted religious tolerance across the diverse subcontinent. Later ruler Aurangzeb imposed strict Islamic sharia law, alienating Hindu subjects. Religious rhetoric justified continual expansion into new territories. The empire’s approach to religion evolved pragmatically as different emperors pursued varying policies toward Hindu populations.
