List of Mughal Emperors (1527 – 1857): Timeline and War

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.

Babur laid the foundation for the empire on April 20, 1526, by defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of Panipat. However, the empire began its decline during the reign of the sixth emperor, Aurangzeb. Ultimately, on September 21, 1857, the empire faced its demise due to the Revolt of 1857. The final ruler, Bahadur Shah II, marked the end of the Mughal Empire.

Check: List of Mughal Emperors (1527 – 1857): Timeline and War

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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

The first Mughal Emperor in India was Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire in 1526. Babur was a descendant of Timur on his father’s side and Genghis Khan on his mother’s side, and he hailed from Central Asia. He invaded India and, in the Battle of Panipat in 1526, defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi, establishing the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent.

Babur’s reign marked the beginning of a dynasty that would rule much of the Indian subcontinent for around three centuries. His successors, including Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, expanded the empire and left a significant impact on Indian history, culture, and architecture

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The last Mughal Emperor in India was Bahadur Shah II, also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar. He was the son of Akbar Shah II and became the Emperor in 1837. Bahadur Shah II’s reign coincided with a period of significant turmoil and decline for the Mughal Empire.

By the mid-19th century, the British East India Company had expanded its control over much of India. The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, erupted against British rule, and Bahadur Shah II was reluctantly chosen as the nominal leader of the rebellion. However, the uprising was eventually suppressed by the British.

The successors of Aurangzeb faced persistent instability and financial difficulties. Bahādur Shah I (1707–12) encountered ongoing rebellions and external threats, mirroring Aurangzeb’s ineffective fiscal policies. Farrukh-Siyār (1713–19) assumed power after a succession war, aided by two influential governors. However, his reign was cut short when these former supporters, now his vizier and chief military commander, collaborated with the ruler of Jodhpur to orchestrate his assassination.

The Mughal dynasty faced increasing vulnerability, relying heavily on governors for support. During Muḥammad Shah’s reign (1719–48), internal strife and Nādir Shah’s invasion hastened the empire’s decline. After Muḥammad Shah’s death, the Marathas seized northern India, leaving the Mughals with only a small territory around Delhi. Bahādur Shah II, the last Mughal ruler (reigned 1837–57), was exiled to Yangon by the British following his involvement in the Indian Mutiny of 1857–58.

The longest-reigning Mughal Emperor in India was Akbar the Great. He ascended to the throne at the age of 13 after his father Humayun’s death in 1556 and ruled until his death in 1605. Akbar’s reign spanned for approximately 49 years, making him one of the most influential and successful rulers in the history of the Mughal Empire.

During his reign, Akbar implemented various administrative, cultural, and military reforms that helped solidify the Mughal Empire’s strength and expand its territories. He was known for his policy of religious tolerance, efforts to integrate diverse cultures into the empire, and administrative innovations, such as the Mansabdari syste

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The Mughal Emperors left an indelible mark on the history of India. From the grandeur of Akbar’s reign to the tumultuous era of Aurangzeb, their legacies encompassed cultural richness, architectural marvels, administrative innovations, and complex socio-political dynamics. Despite their achievements, the decline of the Mughal Empire marked the end of an era, giving way to the rise of regional powers and eventual British colonization. Nevertheless, their influence continues to resonate in India’s diverse heritage and cultural landscape, shaping the nation’s identity to this day.

When did Mughal Empire start and end?

The Mughal Empire began in 1526 with the victory of Babur at the Battle of Panipat and ended in 1858 when the British Crown took direct control following the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Who is no 1 Mughal Emperor?

Akbar the Great, ruling from 1556 to 1605, is celebrated as one of the most successful Mughal Emperors for his reforms, conquests, and cultural tolerance.

What is the Mughal Empire known for?

The Mughal Empire is renowned for its cultural splendor, architectural landmarks, administrative prowess, religious tolerance, and lasting impact on Indian society and history.

Who was first Mughal Emperor in India?

Babur(1526 – 1530) was the first Mughal Emperor in India.

Who ruled India after Akbar?

After Akbar, his son Jahangir succeeded him as the ruler of the Mughal Empire.

Who defeated Akbar the Great?

Akbar the Great was not defeated in battle during his reign; he led successful military campaigns and expanded the Mughal Empire’s territory.

Who defeated Aurangzeb?

Aurangzeb was not defeated in battle during his reign as Mughal Emperor.

Which Mughal emperor earned the title “Insan-i-Kamil” (Perfect Man) due to his peaceful personality and patience?

Humayun earned the title “Insan-i-Kamil” (Perfect Man).

Who were the 19 Mughal emperors?

The Mughal Empire saw a succession of rulers, and Akbar Shah II was the 19th Mughal Emperor in India, reigning from 1806 to 1837.

How many Mughal emperors are there?

While the Mughal Empire had more than 19 emperors, discussions often focus on the “Great Mughals.” This term highlights prominent rulers, including but not limited to Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, and their successors, who left a significant mark on the history of the Mughal Empire.