GUJRAT (P.R.): The Department of History and Pakistan Studies at the University of Gujrat (UoG), in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences and Hayatian Historical Society, organized a one-day seminar titled “500th Anniversary of the Mughal Empire: Enduring Impacts and Legacy in South Asia” at Hafiz Hayat Campus.
Renowned historian, researcher, and author Professor Dr. Faraz Anjum, an expert on medieval Indian history, was the chief guest. Professor Dr. Faisal Mahmood Mirza, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, presided over the seminar, while Dr. Muhammad Afzal Zaki, District Ombudsman Gujrat, attended as the guest of honour. Dr. Ghulam Shabbir, Chairperson of the Department of History and Pakistan Studies, hosted the event.
The seminar aimed to promote historical scholarship among students and explore the institutional development, governance, and lasting cultural and social influence of the Mughal Empire across South Asia.
In his keynote address, Professor Dr. Faraz Anjum emphasized that historical analysis must consider the lifestyles, beliefs, and perceptions of people in a particular era. He described the Mughal Empire as a constantly evolving and mobile state that, despite limited administrative capacity to govern its vast territories, left a lasting legacy in institutions, architecture, and governance across South Asia.
He noted that medieval rulers frequently faced rebellions, while poverty and social exploitation remained widespread. Mughal society broadly comprised religious scholars, the nobility, and peasants and artisans. He explained that religious education and belief in God were central to medieval conceptions of knowledge and society, unlike contemporary discourse, which places greater emphasis on human beings and fundamental rights.
Discussing administrative reforms, Dr. Anjum highlighted the mansabdari system, which institutionalized loyalty and allegiance, and Emperor Akbar’s contributions to bureaucracy and land revenue administration. He observed that Mughal architecture reflected spiritual and aesthetic sophistication, while the identities of medieval and Mughal rulers required careful historical interpretation.
Dr. Muhammad Afzal Zaki said history provides a window into the past and preserves the stories of ancestors, while education remains a powerful means of bringing positive change to society.
In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Faisal Mahmood Mirza highlighted the importance of the Indian subcontinent’s historical development over the past seven to eight centuries. He said history connects the past with the present and future, supports informed decision-making, and helps define regional identity. Preparing students to address emerging challenges, he added, is a fundamental responsibility of universities.
He further observed that the Mughal Empire profoundly influenced Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and other South Asian regions. Urdu, Pakistan’s national language, also reflects the historical and cultural legacy of Mughal rule in the region.
Dr. Ghulam Shabbir thanked the participants and stressed that attentive listening and intellectual curiosity help students broaden their knowledge. He expressed hope that the seminar would deepen their historical understanding and awareness of the region’s past.
Dr. Mushtaq Abbasi conducted the proceedings and introduced the distinguished guests. The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session in which students and faculty members raised thought-provoking questions and gained insights into Mughal governance, administration, society, and cultural heritage.