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The Battle of Panipat, on April 21, 1526, marks the beginning of the Mughal Empire.
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Due to instability within the empire, Babur's death in 1530 leads to difficulties with his son Humayun's succession.
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Some of the nobles instead try to install Humayun's uncle, Mahdi Khwaja, and, though they are defeated, it signals Humayun's weakness. Humayun gains the throne in 1531.
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. Sher Shah Suri, the leader of the rival Sur dynasty, drives Humayun out of India and seizes power in 1540.
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On July 23, 1555, 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
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On January 27, 1556, On January 27, 1556, 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. 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.
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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. On November 5, 1556, under Bairam Khan, the Mughal army defeats the Surs and solidifies Akbar's control.
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On January 31, 1561, 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.
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Though 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.
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In 1628 Jahangir dies on his way back from a visit to Kashmir and is succeeded by his third son, Shah Jahan.
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In 1632 Shah Jahan begins construction on the Taj Mahal in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
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Shah Jahan falls ill in 1658, and his eldest son, Dara Shikoh, becomes regent for him.
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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 goes on to expand the empire, but his harsh religious conservatism undermines the stability of the empire.
