Mughal Empire Timeline
Comprehensive timeline of 50+ major events spanning 336 years of Mughal rule, from Babur's conquest in 1526 to the last emperor's death in 1862.
First Battle of Panipat
Babur defeats Ibrahim Lodi with superior cavalry tactics and gunpowder weapons, establishing Mughal rule in India. His victory over a force three times larger marks the beginning of a new era in Indian history.
Death of Babur
Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, dies in Agra. His memoirs, the Baburnama, provide invaluable insights into his conquest and establishment of the dynasty.
Humayun Becomes Emperor
Babur's eldest son Humayun ascends to the throne at age 23, inheriting an unstable empire with enemies on all sides.
Battle of Chausa
Sher Shah Suri decisively defeats Humayun at Chausa. Humayun barely escapes with his life by swimming across the Ganges River, marking the beginning of his 15-year exile.
Humayun's Exile to Persia
After defeat by Sher Shah Suri, Humayun flees to Persia where he finds refuge at the Safavid court. During his 15-year exile, he gains Persian military support and cultural influences that later shape Mughal aesthetics.
Humayun Reclaims the Throne
With Persian military assistance, Humayun defeats the Sur dynasty and reclaims Delhi and Agra, restoring Mughal rule after 15 years in exile.
Death of Humayun
Humayun dies after falling down the stairs of his library in Delhi, just six months after reclaiming his throne. His tomb becomes an architectural masterpiece.
Akbar's Coronation
Akbar becomes emperor at age 13, beginning the golden age of Mughal rule. Under the guidance of regent Bairam Khan, he consolidates power and expands the empire significantly.
Second Battle of Panipat
Akbar's forces, led by Bairam Khan, defeat the Hindu king Hemu at the same battlefield where his grandfather Babur had won 30 years earlier, securing Mughal control over Northern India.
Conquest of Rajputana
Akbar conquers major Rajput kingdoms including Chittor and Ranthambore, integrating Rajput chiefs into Mughal administration through diplomatic marriages and strategic alliances.
Foundation of Fatehpur Sikri
Akbar establishes his new capital at Fatehpur Sikri, a planned city that becomes a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture at its finest.
Conquest of Gujarat
Akbar annexes the wealthy province of Gujarat, gaining control over important ports and expanding Mughal influence to the Arabian Sea.
Introduction of Din-i-Ilahi
Akbar introduces Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith), a syncretic religion combining elements of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism, reflecting his policy of religious tolerance.
Annexation of Kashmir
Kashmir is peacefully annexed to the Mughal Empire, bringing the beautiful valley and its strategic location under imperial control.
Death of Akbar the Great
Akbar dies at age 63 after ruling for nearly 50 years. He leaves behind the largest, wealthiest, and most culturally diverse empire in Indian history.
Jahangir Becomes Emperor
Prince Salim ascends the throne as Emperor Jahangir (Conqueror of the World), continuing his father's policies while developing a passion for art and natural history.
Marriage to Nur Jahan
Jahangir marries Mehr-un-Nissa, who becomes Nur Jahan (Light of the World). She becomes the most powerful woman in Mughal history, effectively co-ruling the empire.
Prince Khurram's Rebellion
Prince Khurram (future Shah Jahan) rebels against his father Jahangir after a succession dispute, leading to five years of conflict before reconciliation.
Death of Jahangir
Emperor Jahangir dies while returning from Kashmir. His 22-year reign is remembered for achievements in art, particularly miniature painting and detailed chronicles.
Shah Jahan Becomes Emperor
Prince Khurram ascends as Emperor Shah Jahan (King of the World), ushering in the golden age of Mughal architecture and the zenith of imperial power.
Death of Mumtaz Mahal
Shah Jahan's beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal dies during childbirth of their 14th child. Her death devastates the emperor and inspires the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal Construction Begins
Shah Jahan commissions the Taj Mahal in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. Over 20,000 artisans work for 22 years to create this masterpiece, which becomes one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Construction of Red Fort Delhi
Shah Jahan begins construction of the magnificent Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi, featuring the famous Diwan-i-Khas with its Peacock Throne and legendary inscription 'If there is paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.'
Capital Moved to Shahjahanabad
Shah Jahan officially moves the Mughal capital from Agra to his newly built city of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), establishing it as the empire's political and cultural center.
Completion of Taj Mahal
After 22 years of construction, the Taj Mahal is completed. The total cost is estimated at 32 million rupees (hundreds of millions in today's currency).
War of Succession Begins
Shah Jahan falls seriously ill, triggering a brutal succession war among his four sons: Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb, Shah Shuja, and Murad Baksh.
Aurangzeb Becomes Emperor
Aurangzeb defeats his brothers in the war of succession, executes Dara Shikoh, and imprisons his father Shah Jahan in Agra Fort. He takes the throne as Emperor Alamgir (Conqueror of the World).
Death of Shah Jahan
Shah Jahan dies in captivity at Agra Fort after 8 years of imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb. He is buried next to Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal.
Shivaji's Coronation
Maratha warrior Shivaji crowns himself Chhatrapati, establishing the Maratha Empire as a major challenge to Mughal supremacy in the Deccan.
Aurangzeb's Deccan Campaign
Aurangzeb moves to the Deccan to personally lead campaigns against the Maratha Empire and Deccan sultanates. He never returns to northern India.
Conquest of Bijapur
Aurangzeb conquers the Bijapur Sultanate after a long siege, bringing the wealthy Deccan kingdom under Mughal control.
Fall of Golconda
The wealthy diamond-trading city of Golconda falls to Aurangzeb after an eight-month siege, completing Mughal conquest of the Deccan sultanates.
Death of Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb dies at age 88 after ruling for 49 years, the longest reign of any Mughal emperor. His orthodox policies and constant warfare leave the empire overextended and financially exhausted.
Bahadur Shah I Becomes Emperor
Aurangzeb's son ascends as Bahadur Shah I after a succession war. His brief 5-year reign sees the beginning of Mughal decline with rising Maratha and Sikh power.
Nadir Shah's Invasion
Persian ruler Nadir Shah invades India, defeats the Mughal army, and sacks Delhi. He massacres thousands and loots the Peacock Throne, Koh-i-Noor diamond, and an estimated 70 million rupees worth of treasure.
Third Battle of Panipat
Ahmad Shah Durrani defeats the Maratha Empire in one of history's bloodiest battles. Though not directly involved, the weakened Mughal Empire benefits temporarily from Maratha losses.
Blinding of Shah Alam II
Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II is captured and blinded by Afghan warlord Ghulam Qadir, symbolizing the complete collapse of imperial authority.
Mughal Emperor Under British Protection
Emperor Shah Alam II accepts British protection, making the Mughal Empire a puppet state. The emperor retains only titular authority while the British East India Company wields real power.
Bahadur Shah II Becomes Last Emperor
Bahadur Shah Zafar becomes the 19th and last Mughal emperor at age 62. A gifted poet and calligrapher, he presides over a ceremonial court with no real power.
Indian Rebellion of 1857
The Great Rebellion breaks out against British rule. Reluctantly, Bahadur Shah Zafar becomes the symbolic leader of the uprising. After its failure, he is captured, tried, and exiled to Burma, marking the formal end of the Mughal Empire.
Formal Abolition of Mughal Empire
The British formally abolish the Mughal Empire and exile Bahadur Shah Zafar to Rangoon, Burma. Queen Victoria assumes the title of Empress of India, ending 331 years of Mughal rule.
Death of the Last Mughal
Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, dies in exile in Rangoon at age 87. His grave becomes a symbol of lost glory and the end of an era in Indian history.