-
Period: 1526 to
The Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire (1526-1858) was an empire that controlled most of South Asia. It is best known for bringing technological and cultural advances and economic growth to South Asia. -
Apr 21, 1526
Battle of Panipat
The Battle of Panipat was a battle fought between the forces of Delhi sultan Ibrahim Lodi and the invading forces of Babur, a Central Asian ruler descended from Genghis Khan. With advanced technology like firearms and gunpowder, Babur defeated the Lodi Empire and began the Mughal Empire. Under Babur’s rule, there was religious tolerance. Trade, mostly with Persia and Europe, was encouraged and Persian culture was spread.
Photo URL: https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/sher-shah-suri-6758.php -
1540
Sher Shah Suri defeats Humayun
The leader of the Sur dynasty, Sher Shah Suri, seizes power from Babur’s son Humayun and exiles him from India. Humayan takes refuge in Persia with the Safavid rulers, forming a strong bond between the Mughal and Safavid dynasties.
Photo URL: https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/sher-shah-suri-6758.php -
Jul 23, 1555
Humayun returns
After the death of Sher Shah Suri and his successors, Humayun marches a Persian army back to India. Under his rule, the Mughal Empire takes control of another 386,000 square miles.
Photo URL: https://www.wonders-of-the-world.net/Taj-Mahal/Humayun.php -
Jan 27, 1556
Akbar rises to power
After Humayun’s death, his thirteen year old son Akbar inherits the throne with a regent, Bairam Khan, who was a general that had won victory for Humayun in the past. The Sur dynasty tries to seize power again.
Photo URL: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Akbar_the_Great -
Nov 5, 1556
Second Battle of Panipat
In this battle, Bairam Khan leads the Mughal Army against the Surs to victory. This solidifies Akbar’s control of the empire.
Photo URL: https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/sher-shah-suri-6758.php -
Jan 31, 1561
Assassination of Bairam Khan
Old enough to lead the throne, Akbar takes away Bairam Khan’s regency. Later, he is assassinated on his way to Mecca. This gives Akbar full control of the empire. Under his reign, the economy grows and trade with Europe increases. Getting flintlock guns from Europe give him a military advantage. -
Jahangir becomes the emperor
Jahangir is Akbar’s oldest son. Despite being the successor to the throne, he had previously revolted against his father and was defeated. After Akbar’s death, he still inherits the throne, due to immense support from the women in Akbar’s harem. -
The British East India Company defeats the Portuguese
The British East India Company defeats the Portuguese at Surat, Gujarat. They establish the first warehouse in India, strengthening their hold over the country. -
The Taj Mahal is built
Shah Jahan, the new emperor, constructs the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture today.
Photo URL: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252/ -
Fort St. George is built
The British East India Company builds Fort St. George in Chennai, India.
Photo URL: http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/a/019pho0000752s5u00004000.html -
Aurangzeb takes power
Aurangzeb defeats his elder brother Dara Shikoh and has him executed. Dara Shikoh had been serving as the regent for Shah Jahan because Shah Jahan was ill. Though Shah Jahan is now well, Aurangzeb has him imprisoned and expands the empire. His Islamic conservatism destabilizes the empire, beginning the decline of the Mughal Empire. -
Mughal-Maratha Wars
The Marathas seize the states of Gujarat and Malwa and raid Delhi against the Mughals. This causes a lot of damages and problems for Mughals. -
Nader Shah invades India
Nader Shah, the Shah of Persia and the founder of the Afsharid dynasty, invades Northern India and attacks Delhi. His army defeats the Mughals at the Battle of Karnal and captures the Mughal capital. Delhi is looted and the Mughal Peacock Throne is stolen. -
Battle of Sikandarabad
In the Battle of Sikandarabad, the Marathas defeat the Mughals and kill 15,000 of their troops. This is one of the first major victories for the Marathas, leading to immense losses for the Mughals. -
Shah Alam II dies
Emperor Shah Alam II dies. This is the end of effective Mughal leadership. He is succeeded by Akbar Shah II, who works for the British.
Photo URL: https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-shah-alam-ii-and-the-empire-in-flux-2750513 -
Sepoy Mutiny
The Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a major yet unsuccessful revolt against the rule of the British East India Company. The immediate cause was the new gunpowder cartridges, which were greased with cow and pig fat. This was disrespectful to the Hindu and Muslim faiths, causing Indians to revolt.
Photo URL: https://www.thoughtco.com/sepoy-mutiny-of-1857-1774014 -
Mughal empire ends
The British use the Sepoy Mutiny as the reason to exile Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal Emperor, to Burma. The British East India Company is abolished and India is placed under direct rule under the British crown. The Mughal Empire has officially ended.
Photo URL: http://indiafacts.org/british-colonization-india/
