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Apr 21, 1526
The Battle of Panipat
This battle marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire. Bbur, a central Asian ruler who was a descendant of Genghis Khan defeats the Lodi Empire from northern India. This was one of the earliest battles to have artillery, firearms, and gunpowder. -
Jan 5, 1531
Babur's Death
After Babur's death, his son, Humayun takes over as ruler. However the lack of experience lead the nobles to try and install his uncle, Mahdi Khwaja, they were however defeated. -
Jan 25, 1540
Sher Shah Suri
Sher Shah Suri, leader of the Sur dynasty takes advantage of the fact that Humayun is ruler and goes and drives him out of India and seizes power. Humayun takes refuge with the Safavid rulers in Persia creating a strong bond between the two empires. -
Jul 23, 1555
Humayun retakes Delhi
Humayun takes advantage of the deaths of both Sher Shah Suri and his son and successor, Islam Shah. Humayun was provided with an army from his Persian allies to march back into India and restore control. The army was lead by Bairam Khan. -
Jan 27, 1556
Humayun's Tragedy
After retaking power, Humayun stops for daily prayer and while carrying books down a flight of stairs he trips and falls, causing his death three days later. Akbar, the son of Humayun now took control of the Empire. -
Nov 5, 1556
Sur Dynasty attacks again
The Sur Dynasty attacks again trying to gain control, however, Bairam Khan defeats the Sur's and solidifies Akbar's control. -
Jan 25, 1559
Jahangir tries to take control
Jahangir is the oldest son of Akbar and leads a revolt against his father because he wants control of the Empire, however he is defeated but still has enough political power from the women to remain the successor. -
Jan 31, 1561
Akbar takes full control
Akbar strips Bairman Khan from the regency, and is later assassinated on a trip to Mecca. Akbar now has full control of the Empire. Akbar was known for developing trade with Europe, developing a strong system of administration, and growing the economy. Akbar was also able to get flintlock guns from Europe, giving him a huge military advantage. -
Jahangir becomes Ruler
Jahangir succeeds as emperor, thanks to the immense support of the harem women. His eldest son, Khusrau Mirza, unsuccessfully rebels against him. Jahangir kills all his son's supporters and blinds his son. 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
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. -
The Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan begins construction on the Taj Mahal in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. -
Dara Shikoh
Shah Jahan falls ill in 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
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. This marks the beginning of the decline of the Mughal's power. -
Shah Alam
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. The empire descends into chaos and violent feuds after his death and starts to break up. -
British East India Company
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. The revolt is defeated and the Mughals deposed by the East India Company, which assumes formal control over the country and ends the Mughal Empire.
