The Mughal Empire

  • Apr 21, 1526

    Battle of Panipat

    Battle of Panipat
    Marks the beginning of the Mughal Empire. The forces of Babur, a Central Asian ruler who was descended from the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan, defeat the Lodi Empire of Northern India.
  • Dec 26, 1530

    Babur Dies

    Babur Dies
    Babur's death could be more diifficult to Humayun, some of the nobles instead try to install Humayun's uncle, Mahdi Khwaja, and, though they are defeated, it signals Humayun's weakness.
  • Jul 23, 1555

    Humayun takes advantages.

    Humayun takes advantages.
    After the death of both Sher Shah Suri and his son and successor. Islam Shah, Humayun takes advantages to march an army provided bby his Persian allies back to India.
  • Jan 27, 1556

    Humayun

    Humayun
    Humayun stops for daily prayer in the middle of carrying books down a flight of stairs and trips. He is fatally injured and dies three days later.
  • Nov 5, 1556

    The defeats to the Surs and Akbar's control

    The defeats to the Surs and Akbar's control
    Under Bairam Khan the Mughal army defeats the Surs and solidifies Akbar's control
  • Jan 31, 1561

    Khan is assassinated on a journey to Mecca.

     Khan is assassinated on a journey to Mecca.
    Akbar strips Bairam Khan of the regency, and Khan is assassinated on a journey to Mecca. Akbar is now in full control of the empire. He is known for developing trade with Europe, developing a strong system of administration, and growing the economy. He is able to acquire flintlock guns from Europe, which give him a huge military advantage.
  • Jahangir

    Jahangir
    He is the declared successor, he impatiently leads a revolt against his father, while Akbar is occupied in a foreign military campaign. While he is defeated, he still has enough political support from the women in Akbar's harem, including Akbar's mother, to retain his role as successor.
  • Jahangir succeeds as emperor

    Jahangir succeeds as emperor
    Jahangir kills all his son's supporters and blinds his son. During his rule, Jahangir is addicted to opium and alcohol and so neglects his role as ruler, allowing him to be manipulated by rival factions.
  • Shah Jahan begins construction on the Taj Mahal

    Shah Jahan begins construction on the Taj Mahal
    In memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble mausoleum is recognized by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture.
  • Shah Jahan falls ill

    Shah Jahan falls ill
    His eldest son, Dara Shikoh, becomes regent for him. However, due to his liberal politics, his younger brother, Aurangzeb, allies with conservative Islamic factions to oppose him.
  • Aurangzeb defeats Dara Shikoh

    Aurangzeb defeats Dara Shikoh
    Has him executed. Though Shah Jahan has recovered by this point, Aurangzeb declares him unfit for rule and has him imprisoned.