Prepare a project on the influence of Mughal and British rule in India on her culture under the following heads:

a. Language b. Religion

c. Clothes d. Festivals

e. Food f. Dance and Music

g. Art and Architecture h. Customs

i. Literature j. Education

Influence of Mughal and British rule:

1. Language: Persian came to be the language of the court under Akbar and thereafter during Mughal rule. Urdu, a mix of Persian and Hindustani was born also during this period. When the British rule began, English became the predominant language of administration.

2. Religion: Akbar was the most tolerant of Mughal rulers and even created a new religion: Din-i-Ilahi. But Aurangzeb was an orthodox Sunni Muslim and was strict against all other religions and the Shia sect. The British were tolerant of religions as long as it did not interfere with their administration.

3. Clothes: Under the Mughal rule, clothes from the Arab and Muslim regions became very prominent. However, there was traditional attire for every place. After the British, western clothes became common amongst the Indian officials and factory made clothes destroyed the handloom industries.

4. Festivals: Since Mughal times, numerous festivals of various religions and places were celebrated openly and in full sway. During British rule, many times festivals were interrupted when there was a curfew or a law against gatherings, especially in the later years of the Britsh Raj.

5. Dance and Music: Dance and music were patronized by the Mughals and artists had an important place in the court. But the British destroyed such a culture of patronizations and court proceedings after conquering. As a result, most artisans lost their livelihood.

6. Art and Architecture: the Mughal rule was a time when art and architecture were greatly patronized. Shah Jahan’s rule is considered the Golden Age of Mughals. He built numerous monuments, the most famous of which is Taj Mahal. Other monuments like Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, etc. are also great examples.

7. Customs: Many customs found a way into the mainland over the years. Mughals introduced many Persian and Muslim customs through the court. After the British, many Western customs were followed for administration. However, diverse Indian customs remained throughout the land.

8. Literature: Literature was very important to Mughals. There were chronicles of the rulers and many prominent texts like Mahabharata were translated to Persian. Rulers commissioned many works.

9. Education: Mughals gave much importance to art and literature. Talented artists were patronized by the court. So education in the cultural fields flourished. However, during British rule, Western literature and arts were given importance. They looked down upon Indian history. Western education began and started influencing all students soon after British.