Economy in Mughal Empire was dependent on agriculture, trade and other industries. According to historians, since time immemorial agriculture was actually the biggest source of income. Moreover, it was also one of the main sources of livelihood of majority of the people in the country. The major crops that were grown during the Mughal era included millets, oilseeds, cereals, hemp, chili, sugarcane, cotton, indigo, betel, and other cash crops. Indigo cultivation was at that time in various places like Agra, Gujrat etc. On the other hand, Ajmir was well known for the production of best quality sugarcane. Improved transport and communication facilities also helped the development of economy during the reign of Mughal emperors. There was tremendous demand for for cash crops like silk and cotton as because the textile industry was flourishing during the Mughal time.
Further during the reign of Jahangir Portuguese introduced the cultivation of tobacco and potato in India. Babur introduced several other central Asian fruits in the country. During Akbar Firoz Shah's Yamuna canal was repaired for irrigation purposes.
The Mughal emperors preferred to settle in cities and towns. The artistic lifestyle of Mughal rulers also encouraged art and architecture, handicrafts and trade in the country. During that era, the merchants and the trader class were dividedinto large business powers.
