The Mughal Empire

  • Battle of Panipat
    Apr 21, 1526

    Battle of Panipat

    The beginning of the Mughal Empire. Babur as their ruler who was a decedent from the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan. Babur's rule is marked by ongoing wars of aggression, which didn't allow for the stabilization of his empire.
  • Humayun
    Jun 17, 1531

    Humayun

    Babur's death in 1531 lead to the difficulties with his son Humanyun's succession.
  • Sher Shah Suri
    Apr 24, 1540

    Sher Shah Suri

    A ruler of the rival Sur dynasty, Sher Shah Suri, drives out Humayun out of India and seizes the power. Humayun takes refuge with the Safavid rulers in Persia, which serves to create a strong bond with the two dynasties.
  • Humayun's Return
    Jan 23, 1555

    Humayun's Return

    Sher Shah Suri and his son and successor, Islam Shah all die, Humayun takes advantage of this and leads a march.
  • Humayun Continues His Conquest
    Jan 27, 1556

    Humayun Continues His Conquest

    After Humanyan retakes power he 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.
  • Akbar
    Nov 5, 1556

    Akbar

    Bairam Khan, the general who had won victory for his father. The rival Sur Dynasty once again attempts to seize power. Although under Bairam Khan the Mughal army defeats the Surs solidifies Akbar's control.
  • Akabar Takes the Power
    Jan 31, 1561

    Akabar Takes the Power

    Akabar stakes all the power from Bairam Khan, Khan is later assassinated.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. He was able to get a hold of guns, this gave him a huge military advantage.
  • Jahangir

    Jahangir

    Jahangir is Akbar's oldest son, he is declared the declared, he impatiently leads a revolt against his father in 1599 while Akbar is occupied in a foreign military campaign. While he is defeated, he still has enough political support from the women in Akbar's harem, to retain his role as successor.
  • Jahangir Continues His Conquest

    Jahangir Continues His Conquest

    Jahangir succeeds as emperor only because of all the women who stood by him. Khusrau Mirza, his eldest son, rebels against him. Jahangir kills all his son's supporters and blinds his son. Jahangir soon became addicted to alcohol and begins to neglects his role as ruler, allowing him to be manipulated by rival factions.
  • Shah Jahan

    Shah Jahan

    Jahangir dies.And is succeeded by his third son, Shah Jahan.
  • Taj Mahal

    Taj Mahal

    Shah Jahan builds a temple for his third wife, a white marble mausoleum is recognized by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture.
  • Shah Jahan

    Shah Jahan

    Shah Jahan becomes very sick and can no long run the empire, in 1658, his eldest son Dara Shikoh, becomes regent for him. However his youngest brother Aurangzeb, joins with Islamic factions to oppose him.
  • Aurangzeb defeats Dara Shikoh

    Aurangzeb defeats Dara Shikoh

    Aurangzeb defeats Dara Shikoh and has him executed, although Shah Jahan is no longer sick. Aurangzeb says he is unfit for rule and has him imprisoned. Aurangzeb goes on to expand the empire, but his inability to see others religious conservatism leads to the stability of the empire. This marks the beginning of the decline of the Mughal's power.
  • Shah Alam

    Shah Alam

    Aurangzeb's son, Shah Alam,comes to power and tries to undo all of the terrible things his father has done.But it is 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

    British East India Company has become the protector of the Mughal Empire. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the final Mughal ruler, leads a revolt against them. 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.