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Apr 21, 1526
The 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. -
Jan 26, 1530
babur death
Babur's death in 1530 leads to difficulties with his son Humayun's succession. -
Jan 26, 1531
Humayun gains the throne
it signals Humayun's weakness. Humayun gains the throne in 1531. -
Jan 26, 1540
Sher Shah Suri drives Humayun out of India
the leader of the rival Sur dynasty, drives Humayun out of India and seizes power in 1540. Humayun takes refuge with the Safavid rulers in Persia, which serves to create a strong bond with the two dynasties. -
Jul 23, 1555
Humayun takes advantage of both deaths
Humayun takes advantage of the deaths of both Sher Shah Suri and his son and successor, Islam Shah, to march an army provided by his Persian allies back to India. He puts the army under the leadership of Bairam Khan, who proves himself a much more skilled tactician. He retakes Delhi for Humayun and restores the Mughals to power. -
Jan 27, 1556
humayun dies
shortly after retaking power, 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.