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Apr 21, 1526
Battle of Panipat
The forces of Babur defeat the Lodi Empire of Northern India. This is one of the earliest battles to involve gunpowder, firearms, and fire artillery. This battle marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire. -
Dec 26, 1530
Babur's death
Babur falls ill and dies -
Jan 26, 1531
Humayun gains throne
Babur's death leads to difficulties in Humayun's succession. He later is able to defeat his uncle and take the throne. -
Jan 26, 1540
Sher Shah Suri
Sher shah Suri, leader of the rival Sur dynasty, drives Humayun out of India and siezes power. -
Jul 23, 1555
Humayun takes advantage
Humayun takes advantage of Sher Shah Suri and his son's Islam Shah death by sending an army provided by his Persian allies back to India. He retakes Delhi for Humayun and restores the Mughals to power. -
Jan 27, 1556
Humayun stops
Humayun stops in the middle of holding books and going down stairs to pray, causing him to trip and fall. His injuries were fatal and he died three days later. -
Nov 5, 1556
Akbar
Humayun's son, Akbar, succeeds him under a regent, Bairam Khan, the general who had won victory for his father. The rival Sur Dynasty once again attempts to seize power. -
Jan 31, 1561
Akbar's empire
Akbar strips Bairam Khan of the regency. Khan is then assassinated on a journey to Mecca. Akbar is now in full control of the empire. -
Jahangir
Jahangir, Akbar's oldest son, leads a revolt against his father while Akbar is occupied in a foreign military campaign. -
Jahangir's success
Jahangir succeeds as an emperor, thanks to the immense support of the harem women. -
Jahangir's death
Jahangir dies on his way back from a visit to Kashmir -
Shah Jahan
Shah Jahan begins construction on the Taj Mahal in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal
