During the Mughal Empire, the main forms of literature included:

1. Poetry: Particularly Persian poetry flourished, with prominent poets like Mirza Ghalib and Abu’l-Fazl contributing to genres such as ghazals (lyric poetry) and qasidas (odes).

2. Historical Chronicles: Mughal emperors and courtiers wrote detailed historical accounts. Notable works include the “Akbarnama” and the “Baburnama,” which chronicled the lives and reigns of the Mughal rulers.

3. Religious and Philosophical Texts: Persian was also used for religious and philosophical writings, including commentaries on Islamic texts and philosophical treatises.

4. Prose: Works of prose included travelogues, memoirs, and administrative records, providing insights into Mughal society and governance.

5. Fables and Folktales: Collections of fables and stories, often with moral lessons, were popular and reflected the diverse cultural milieu of the Mughal Empire.

These forms of literature were predominantly in Persian, the courtly language of the Mughal Empire, though vernacular languages also saw literary development.