The Mughal Empire

Battle of Panipat

Apr 21, 1526

Marks the beginning of the Mughal Empire. This is one of the earliest battles to involve gunpowder, firearms, and field artillery.

Babur's Death

Dec 26, 1531

Leads to difficulties with his son Humayun's succession.

Humayun

Jul 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.

Retaking Power

Jan 27, 1556

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.

Bairma Khan

Nov 5, 1556

The Mughal army defeats the Surs and solidifies Akbar's control.

Guidance

Jan 31, 1561

Akbar strips Bairam Khan of the regency. Khan is assassinated on a journey to Mecca. Akbar is now in full control of the empire.

Jahangir

Jan 25, 1599

Akbar's oldest son, is the declared successor, he impatiently leads a revolt against his father.

Emperor

Jan 25, 1605

Jahangir succeeds as emperor, thanks to the immense support of the harem women.

Jahangir Death

Jan 25, 1628

In 1628 Jahangir dies on his way back from a visit to Kashmir and is succeeded by his third son, Shah Jahan.

Taj Mahal

Jan 25, 1632

In 1632 Shah Jahan begins construction on the Taj Mahal in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Dara Shikoh

Jan 25, 1658

Shah Jahan falls ill in 1658, and his eldest son, Dara Shikoh, becomes regent for him.

Aurangzeb

Jan 25, 1659

In 1659 Aurangzeb defeats Dara Shikoh and has him executed.

Shah Alam

Jan 25, 1707

Aurangzeb's son, Shah Alam, succeeds him in 1707 and tries to undo the disastrous policies of his father.

British East India Company

Jan 25, 1858

The British East India Company has become the protector of the Mughal Empire.