The Mughal Empire

By Vanessa_09
  • Apr 21, 1526

    Battle of Panipat

    The forces of Babur a central Asian ruler descendant of Genghis Khan, defeated Lodi empire of Northern India. One of the earliest battles to include gunpowder, firearms and field artillery.
  • Jan 25, 1531

    Humayun's succession

    Due to instability within the empire, Babur's death in 1531 lead to difficulties with his son Humayun. Many tried to put Humayun's uncle because that showed Humayun's weakness.
  • Jan 25, 1540

    Sher Shah Suri

    Leader of the rival Sur dynasty, drives Humayun out of India and seizes power in 1540.
  • Jul 23, 1555

    Humayun takes advantage

    Humayun takes advantage of the death of both Sher shah suri and his son and successor, Islam Shah to march an army provided by his Persian allies back to india.
  • Jan 27, 1556

    Humayun's death

    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.
  • Jan 30, 1556

    Akbar

    humayun's son, Akbar, succeeds him under a regent.
  • Nov 5, 1556

    Akbars control

    The rival Sur Dynasty once again attempts to seize power. on November 5, 1556 under Bairam Khan, the Mughal army defeats the Surs and soldifies Akbar's control.
  • Jan 31, 1561

    Akbar strips Bairam Khan of the regency

    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.

  • Jahangir

    Akbar's oldest son, is the declared successor, he impatiently leads a revolt against his father in 1599 while Akbar is occupied in a foreign military campaign.

  • Jahangir succeeds as emperor

    Jahangir succeeds as emperor, thanks to the immense support of the harem women.

  • Shah Jahan

    Jahangir dies on his way back from a visit to Kashmir and is succeeded by his third son, Shah Jahan. It is during this period that the court's opulence becomes more expensive than its value.

  • Taj Mahal

    In 1632 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.

  • Dara Shikoh

    1658, and 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

    In 1659 Aurangzeb defeats Dara Shikoh and has him executed. Though Shah Jahan has recovered by this point, Aurangzeb declares him unfit for rule and has him imprisoned.

  • Aurangzeb's son

    Aurangzeb's son, Shah Alam, succeeds him in 1707 and tries to undo the disastrous policies of his father, but it is too little, too late.

  • British East India Company

    1858 the British East India Company has become the protector of the Mughal Empire, using it to solidify their claim on trade with India.