Famous Mughal Emperors in India

Mughal Emperors was one of the most famous kingdoms in Indian history. Below are some details about notable Mughal Emperors.

Babur (1526–1530)

Babur, the Mughal Empire’s founder, emerged victorious over Ibrahim Lodi in 1526, establishing Mughal rule in India. He introduced gunpowder and engaged in significant battles against Rana Sanga, Medini Rai, and Mahmud Lodi. Babur’s contributions included penning the Tuzuk-i-Baburi in Turkish.

Also Read

• Babur Biography

Humayun (1530-1556)

Humayun, Babur’s son, faced defeats against Sher Shah Suri in the Battles of Chausa and Kannauj. After 15 years in exile, he returned to India in 1555, supported by Bairam Khan. Humayun’s death in 1556 marked the era documented in Humayun-nama by his half-sister Gulbadan Begum.

Read More

• Humayun Biography

Akbar (1556–1605)

Crowned at 13, Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, triumphed over Hemu at the Second Battle of Panipat with Bairam Khan’s aid. His reign saw the conquest of various regions and the establishment of the Todar Mal Bandobast. Akbar introduced the Mansabdari System and had a notable court, including figures like Todar Mal, Birbal, and Tansen.

• Akbar Biography

Jahangir (1605–1627)

Jahangir, Akbar’s son, executed the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjun Dev, and established Zanjir-i-Adal for royal justice. His reign faced challenges, including the loss of Kandahar to Persia in 1622. Renowned painters in Jahangir’s court included Abdul Hassan, Ustad Mansur, and Bishandas.

Shah Jahan (1627–1658)

Shah Jahan, Jahangir’s son, is renowned for iconic architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. The pinnacle of Mughal architecture was reached during his “Golden Age.” Visitors to Shah Jahan’s court included the Italian adventurer Manucci and Frenchmen Bernier and Tavernier.

Aurangzeb (1658–1707)

Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan’s son, won the Mughal throne after a succession struggle. His reign witnessed territorial peaks but also internal strife. Known for issuing a Royal Firman against Sati in 1664 or 1666 and beheading Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675, Aurangzeb’s rule spanned from Kashmir to Chittagong.

Bahadur Shah I (1707–1712)

Bahadur Shah I succeeded Aurangzeb after a succession conflict, known as Muazzam or Shah Alam I. His rule began at the age of 65, and he faced challenges in maintaining the Mughal legacy amid a changing political landscape.

Later Mughal Emperors

Subsequent Mughal rulers faced challenges as powerful nobles influenced their rule, contributing to the empire’s decline. Jahandar Shah, Furrukhsiyar, Rafi Ul-Darjat, Rafi Ud-Daulat, Muhammad Ibrahim, and Muhammad Shah witnessed a diminishing empire, ultimately succumbing to Nadir Shah’s invasion and the breakup of independent kingdoms.

Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1748–1754)

Son of Muhammad Shah, Ahmad Shah Bahadur faced challenges from Safdarjung and the Maratha Confederacy. The Mughal Civil War ensued, leading to defeats and the cession of Multan and Punjab.

Alamgir II (1754–1759)

Alamgir II, the 15th Mughal emperor, faced a conspiracy leading to his assassination. Sadashivrao Bhau’s plot, a Maratha ally of Imad-Ul-Mulk, marked the end of his rule.

Shah Jahan III (1759-1760)

Shah Jahan III, the 16th Mughal emperor, fell after the Third Battle of Panipat, replaced by Prince Mirza Jawan Bakht.

Shah Alam II (1760–1806)

Shah Alam II, the 17th Mughal Emperor, fought in the Battle of Buxar against the British East India Company, attempting to rebuild the Mughal Army.

Akbar Shah II (1806–1837)

Akbar Shah II, Shah Alam II’s son, faced conflicts with the British East India Company, resulting in his emperor’s name being removed from official coins.

Bahadur Shah II (1837–1857)

Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal Emperor, was overthrown by the British after the Revolt of 1857, leading to his exile in Burma.

List of Mughal Emperors: The Mughal Empire was a dominant force in South Asia from the 16th to the 18th centuries and had its roots in the establishment of Babur, a descendant of Timur and a Mongol conqueror. The empire expanded significantly under the leadership of successors like Akbar the Great. Renowned for supporting the arts, architectural accomplishments, and efficient administration, the Mughals left a lasting impact on the region.

Check the list of Mughal Emperors with the timeline below.