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Apr 21, 1526
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 5, 1531
Humayun succeeds with difficulty.
Due to instability within the empire, Babur's death leads to difficulties with his son Humayun's succession. Some of the nobles instead try to install Humayun's uncle, Mahdi Khwaja, and, though they are defeated, it signals Humayun's weakness. -
Jul 26, 1540
Sher Shah Suri Takes Power
Sher Shah Suri, leader of the rival Sur dynasty, drives Humayan out of India and seizes power. Humayun takes refuge with the Safavid rulers in Persia, which serves to create a strong bond with the two dynasties. -
Jul 23, 1555
Humayun Reclaims The Empire
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
Akbar The Great Comes To Power.
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. 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. -
Nov 5, 1556
The Second Battle of Panipat Solidifies Akbar's Control.
Under Bairam Khan, the Mughal army defeats the Surs and solidifies Akbar's control. -
Jan 31, 1561
Bairam Khan Is Assassinated.
Under the guidance of his mother and other supporters, 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 Revolts Against Akbar
Though Jahangir, Akbar's oldest son, 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.
