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Apr 21, 1526
Battle of Panipat
The Battle of Panipat, on April 21, 1526, 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. -
Jan 26, 1530
Humayun's succession.
Due to instability within the empire, Babur's death in 1530 leads to difficulties with his son Humayun's succession. -
Jan 26, 1531
Mahdi Khwaja
Mahdi Khwaja, and, though they are defeated, it signals Humayun's weakness. Humayun gains the throne in 1531. -
Jan 26, 1540
Sher Shah Suri
Sher Shah Suri, the leader of the rival Sur dynasty, drives Humayun out of India and seizes power in 1540. Humayun takes refuge with the Safavid rulers in Persia, which serves to create a strong bond with the two dynasties. -
Jul 23, 1555
Sher Shah Suri and his son and successor
On July 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 -
Jan 27, 1556
Retaking power
On January 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. -
Nov 5, 1556
Bairam Khan
On November 5, 1556, under Bairam Khan, the Mughal army defeats the Surs and solidifies Akbar's control -
Jan 31, 1561
Khan is assassinated
On January 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
