The Mughal Empire was situated in a strategically location in South Asia. It faced competition from several powerful entities including the Persian Empire to the west, the Marathas to the south, and the British to the east. The Khyber Pass served as important defence point. Mughal foreign policy focused on securing these frontiers.
Timurid Legacy
The Mughal Empire emerged from the remnants of the Timurid Empire. In the 15th century, new powers like the Ottomans, Safavids, and Uzbeks arose. The Safavids were Shia Muslims, while the Ottomans and Uzbeks were Sunni. The Mughals, also Sunni, found themselves at odds with the Uzbeks, who were natural adversaries. Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, faced challenges from the Uzbeks in Central Asia.
Mughal-Persian Relations
Mughal rulers, especially Akbar, sought to strengthen ties with Persia. This was crucial for countering the Uzbeks and maintaining regional stability. Akbar’s policies were characterised by a broad-minded approach to sectarian conflicts. He aimed to encourage alliances rather than deepen divisions.
Trade and Pilgrimage
Mughal emperors engaged in trade with the Shariff of Mecca. Mariam-uz-Zamani, Akbar’s wife, commissioned a ship named Rahīmī for trade and pilgrimage. This ship sailed to Jeddah, facilitating commerce and Hajj pilgrimages. Aurangzeb, Akbar’s successor, owned an even larger vessel, Ganj-i-Sawai, for similar purposes.
Gifts and Diplomacy
The Mughals maintained diplomatic relations through gifts. In 1577, an official title “Mir Haj” was established, along with monetary donation to the Shariff of Mecca. The Mughals also exchanged luxurious gifts, including diamonds and horses, with the Shariff. Such exchanges strengthened their relations with the Islamic world.
European Relations
The Mughal Empire had complex interactions with European powers. Relations with the British East India Company were particularly fraught. Local Mughal officials often exploited the Company, leading to tensions. The British responded with harassment of Mughal vessels, prompting military threats from the Mughals.
Thomas Roe’s Mission
In the early 17th century, King James I sent Thomas Roe as a royal envoy to the Mughal court. Roe sought to establish a factory in India. He spent three years in Agra, gaining favour with Emperor Jahangir. His relationship with Jahangir, however, soured due to his drinking habits.
Dutch and French Relations
The Mughal Empire also established ties with the Dutch and French. The Dutch East India Company opened an embassy in India, receiving gifts from the Mughals. In 1667, French ambassadors requested protection for their merchants, leading to a firman allowing French trade in Surat.
Relations with Ethiopia
In 1664, Ethiopian Emperor Fasilides sent an embassy to congratulate Aurangzeb on his accession. This marked a rare diplomatic engagement between the Mughal Empire and an African power.
Maldives and Regional Powers
The Sultan of the Maldives sought Mughal support against European traders in the 1660s. However, Aurangzeb lacked a powerful navy and did not provide assistance. This reflects the limitations of Mughal influence in maritime affairs.
Uzbek Relations
Mughal relations with the Uzbeks were complicated. The Uzbeks sought to control regions like Lahore and Kabul. During Akbar’s reign, an informal agreement allowed the Uzbeks to retain Balkh while the Mughals kept Kabul and Qandhar.
Military Campaigns
The Mughals undertook military campaigns to secure their borders. Babur captured Qandhar in 1522, but it changed hands multiple times. Shah Jahan’s reign saw attempts to regain control of Balkh. Aurangzeb achieved temporary victories but could not maintain long-term control.
Ottoman Relations
Initially, relations between the Mughals and Ottomans were strained. However, they improved over time. Babur received military assistance from the Ottomans, which proved vital for his conquests. This relationship established a foundation for future cooperation.
Strategic Importance of Qandhar
Qandhar held strategic significance for both the Mughals and Persians. It served as a defence point against possible invasions. The Mughals sought to control it to secure their western frontiers. The region’s fertile lands were also economically valuable.
Shah Jahan and Qandhar
Shah Jahan’s reign saw renewed efforts to capture Qandhar. Despite initial successes, the Mughals faced resistance from Persian forces. The political landscape shifted with the death of Shah Abbas I, leading to a temporary cessation of hostilities.
Legacy of Mughal Diplomacy
The Mughal Empire’s foreign relations were marked by strategic alliances and military engagements. Their diplomatic efforts shaped the political landscape of South Asia. The legacy of these relations continues to influence the region’s history.
