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Apr 21, 1526
Battle of Panipat
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's Death
Due to instability within the empire -
Jul 23, 1555
Humayun takes advantage
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. -
Jan 27, 1556
Humayun is fatally injured and dies
shortly after retaking power, Humayun stops for daily prayer in the middle of carrying books down a flight of stairs and trips and dies 3 days later. -
Nov 5, 1556
the Mughal army defeats the Surs
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 strips Bairam Khan of the regency
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. -
Jahangir revolts against his father
Akbar's oldest son, is the declared successor and causes him to revolt his father -
Jahangir succeeds as emperor
Jahangir succeeds as emperor, thanks to the immense support of the harem women. -
Jahangir dies
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 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal
The white marble mausoleum is recognized by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture. -
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 and has him executed
Shah Jahan has recovered by this point, Aurangzeb declares him unfit for rule and has him imprisoned. Aurangzeb goes on to expand the empire, but his harsh religious conservatism undermines the stability of the empire. -
Aurangzeb's son, Shah Alam, succeeds him
tries to undo the disastrous policies of his father, but it is too little, too late. The empire descends into chaos and violent feuds after his death and starts to break up. -
British East India Company has become the protector of the Mughal Empire
using it to solidify their claim on trade with India. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the final Mughal ruler, leads a revolt against them, although he is in reality little more than a figurehead.
