Mughal Empire

Shah Jahan succeeds as emperor.

1628 BCE

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.

Jahangir succeeds as emperor.

1605 BCE

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.

Jahangir revolts against Akbar.

1591 BCE

Though Jahangir, Akbar's oldest son, is the declared successor, he impatiently leads a revolt against his father 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, including Akbar's mother, to retain his role as successor.

The Battle of Panipat launches the Mughal Empire.

Apr 21, 1526

The Battle of Panipat marks the beginning of the Mughal Empire. The forces of Babur, a Central Asian ruler who was descended from the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan, defeat the Lodi Empire of Northern India. This is one of the earliest battles to involve gunpowder, firearms, and field artillery. Babur's rule is marked by ongoing wars of aggression, which prevent him from stabilizing his empire.

Babur's death

Dec 26, 1530

Due to instability within the empire, Babur's death in 1530 leads to difficulties with his son Humayun's succession.

Humayun succeeds with difficulty.

Jan 5, 1531

Due to instability within the empire, Babur's death leads to difficulties with his son Humayun's succession. Some of the nobles instead try to install Humayun's uncle, Mahdi Khwaja, and, though they are defeated, it signals Humayun's weakness.

Sher Shah Suri takes power.

May 22, 1540

Sher Shah Suri, leader of the rival Sur dynasty, drives Humayun out of India and seizes power. Humayun takes refuge with the Safavid rulers in Persia, which serves to create a strong bond with the two dynasties.

Humayun reclaims the Empire

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. He puts the army under the leadership of Bairam Khan, who proves himself a much more skilled tactician. He retakes Delhi for Humayun and restores the Mughals to power.

Akbar the Great comes to power.

Jan 27, 1556

Shortly after retaking power, 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. Humayun's son, Akbar, succeeds him under a regent, Bairam Khan, the general who had won victory for his father. The rival Sur Dynasty once again attempts to seize power.

Humayun's Death

Jan 27, 1556

Humayun, with his arms full of books, was descending the staircase from his library when the muezzin announced the Azaan (the call to prayer). It was his habit, wherever he heard the summons, to bow his knee in holy reverence. Trying to kneel, he caught his foot in his robe, tumbled down several steps and hit his temple on a rugged stone edge. He died three days later.

The Second Battle of Panipat solidifies Akbar's control.

Nov 5, 1556

Under Bairam Khan, the Mughal army defeats the Surs and solidifies Akbar's control.

Bairam Khan is assassinated.

Jan 31, 1561

Under the guidance of his mother and other supporters, Akbar strips Bairam Khan of the regency, and Khan is assassinated on a journey to Mecca. 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 is able to acquire flintlock guns from Europe, which give him a huge military advantage.