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1517
Babur Crosses the Khyber Pass
Babur expands the Mogul Empire out of present-day Afghanistan, across the Khyber Pass (a passage across the Hindu Kush mountains), and into India. Before Babur invaded, India was divided into different Hindu and Muslim kingdoms. Barbur would help unify the lands. -
1526
Babur Conquers Dehli
Babur expands the Mogul Empire to all of northern India when he conquers the city of Dehli. -
1530
Babur Dies
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1556
Akbar Rules
Babur's grandson, Akbar, comes to power in 1556. Akbar expanded Mogul rule to most of India, uniting semi-independent states under the rule of an emperor. To do this, he relied on the Mogul mastery of artillery (like cannons). Akbar was Muslim, but was known for religious tolerance. In addition to marrying a Hindu princess, he appointed Hindus to lower-level government positions. Trade prospered during this time. -
Jahangir Comes to Power
Akbar dies in 1605 and his son Jahangir takes power. He strengthens the central government's power over India. Eventually, he starts to give more power to Nur Jahan, one of his wives. Nur Jahan uses her power to benefit her family. -
Jahan Comes to Power
Jahan continued to expand the Mogul Empire. This caused problems, however. Like Louis XIV, Jahan had a taste for war and expensive buildings. The most lavish of these buildings was the Taj Mahal, which served as both a tomb (where people are buried) and a mosque. He raised taxes and most of his subjects lived in poverty. -
The British Arrive
The British set up their first trading forts in India. They were located in Calcutta. Although the French try to get in on the trading action, the British East India Trading Company controls most of the trade. Although it was a private company, the East India Trading Company acts on behalf of the British king. -
Aurangzeb Imprisons Jahan
Jahan's son imprisoned him and took power in 1585. Aurangzeb expanded the Mogul Empire to it's the fullest extent (so that it took up to yellow, purple, and green area on the map). Unfortunately, he caused a lot of trouble. He ended religious toleration and forced Hindus to convert to Islam. -
Aurangzeb Dies
After Aurangzeb dies, the Mogul empire begins to fall apart. Without a strong ruler, it is left open to attack. -
Battle of Plassey
After being attacked by one of India's rulers, the British fight the Mogul army at the Battle of Plassey. When the British win, they are given the right to collect taxes from the lands around Calcutta. -
British Take Over
By 1858, Britain had expanded its land in India. The British were not well-liked. They taxed too much and were rude. However, they could make a lot of money. The British became wealthy by controlling trade and taxing the locals.
