Mughal Empire: Babur, Akbar's Religious Tolerance, Taj Mahal & Maratha Resistance
Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/02. South & Southeast Asian Civilizations/01. Indian Subcontinent History • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
The Mughal Empire ruled South Asia from 1526 to 1857, marked by Babur's conquest, Akbar's religious tolerance and administrative reforms, Shah Jahan's architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal, and Maratha resistance under Shivaji, leading to the empire's decline and British dominance.
Chronological Storyline (38 Milestones)
Apr 21, 1526 CE
First Battle of Panipat
Babur defeats Ibrahim Lodi, establishing the Mughal Empire in India. #history #mughal
First Battle of Panipat By Ẓahīr ud-Dīn Muḥammad Bābur (1483-1530) It contains 30 mostly full-page miniatures in fine Mughal style by at least two different artists. - http://art.thewalters.org/detail/14445/the-battle-of-panipat/ http://www.oldindianarts.in/2011/10/illustrations-from-manuscript-of.html Bāburnāma, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17611786
Mar 17, 1527 CE
Battle of Khanwa
Babur decisively defeats Rana Sanga of Mewar, securing Mughal control over northern India. #history #mughal
Battle of Khanwa By "Mirza 'Abd al-Rahim, Khan-i khanan (Mirza 'Abd al-Rahim, Khan-i khanan)" - https://warfare.tk/Moghul/Baburnama/1527-Battle_of_Kanvaha.htm, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22687095
Dec 26, 1530 CE
Death of Babur
Babur dies, succeeded by his son Humayun, whose reign faces challenges from the Sur Empire. #history #mughal
Death of Babur By c.1650 - This image has been extracted from another file, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157043422
May 17, 1540 CE
Battle of Kannauj
Humayun is defeated by Sher Shah Suri, forced into exile, and the Sur Empire controls North India. #history #mughal
Jul 23, 1555 CE
Humayun Regains Delhi
With Safavid support, Humayun recaptures Delhi, restoring Mughal rule after 15 years. #history #mughal
Humayun Regains Delhi By Circa 1550-55 artist - This image has been extracted from another file, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156992221
Jan 27, 1556 CE
Death of Humayun
Humayun dies from a fall, and his 13-year-old son Akbar ascends the throne. #history #mughal
Nov 5, 1556 CE
Second Battle of Panipat
Akbar's regent Bairam Khan defeats Hemu, securing Mughal control and establishing Akbar's rule. #history #mughal
Second Battle of Panipat By Kankar - National Gallery of Victoria, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40735706
1562 CE
Akbar's Rajput Marriage
Akbar marries a Rajput princess, initiating a policy of religious tolerance and alliance with Hindu princes. #history #mughal
Akbar's Rajput Marriage By Govardhan / Mir Ali Heravi - https://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/140008579?rpp=20&pg=1&ft=govardhan&pos=4, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78855963
1571 CE
Founding of Fatehpur Sikri
Akbar builds a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri, symbolizing his syncretic vision and architectural patronage. #history #mughal
Founding of Fatehpur Sikri By Marcin Białek - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14741170
1575 CE
Ibadat Khana Established
Akbar establishes the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) for interfaith discussions, promoting religious dialogue. #history #mughal
Ibadat Khana Established By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2158236
1582 CE
Din-i Ilahi Proclaimed
Akbar introduces Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic religion aimed at unifying his diverse subjects, though it gains few followers. #history #mughal
Din-i Ilahi Proclaimed By Unknown artist - http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/portrait-of-akbar-with-falcon-148505, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66030914
1585 CE
Mansabdari System Formalized
Akbar's administrative reforms create the Mansabdari system, a military-civil hierarchy ranking officials. #history #mughal
Mansabdari System Formalized By Basawan - Source of the image: [1] Credits: The Art Institute of Chicago, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5817348
Oct 27, 1605 CE
Death of Akbar
Akbar dies, succeeded by his son Jahangir, whose reign continues Mughal consolidation. #history #mughal
1611 CE
Jahangir Marries Nur Jahan
Jahangir marries Nur Jahan, who becomes the de facto ruler and patron of arts. #history #mughal
Jahangir Marries Nur Jahan By Unknown author - LACMA [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3854119
1620 CE
Capture of Kangra Fort
Jahangir's forces capture the Kangra Fort, the strongest hill fort in the region, after a long siege. #history #mughal
Capture of Kangra Fort By Harvinder Chandigarh - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73865374
Jan 19, 1628 CE
Shah Jahan Becomes Emperor
Shah Jahan ascends the throne after Jahangir's death, ushering in the golden age of Mughal architecture. #history #mughal
Shah Jahan Becomes Emperor By Bichitr - This file was derived from: 'Jujhar Singh Bundela Kneels in Submission to Shah Jahan', painted by Bichitr, c. 1630, Chester Beatty Library (cropped).jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=100178460
Jun 1, 1632 CE
Taj Mahal Construction Begins
Shah Jahan orders the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. #history #architecture #mughal
Taj Mahal Construction Begins By Yann; edited by Jim Carter - Edited version of File:Taj Mahal, Agra, India.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36310839
1636 CE
Mughals Annex Ahmednagar
Shah Jahan's Deccan campaign annexes the Sultanate of Ahmednagar, expanding Mughal territory. #history #mughal
Mughals Annex Ahmednagar By Mr.Hanes - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157566611
1648 CE
Red Fort Construction Complete
Shah Jahan completes the Red Fort in Delhi and moves the capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad. #history #architecture #mughal
Red Fort Construction Complete By PerSona77 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28688504
1653 CE
Taj Mahal Completed
The Taj Mahal is completed after 21 years, epitomizing Mughal architecture and love. #history #architecture #mughal
Jul 21, 1658 CE
Aurangzeb Defeats Dara Shikoh
Aurangzeb defeats his brother Dara Shikoh at the Battle of Samugarh, seizing the Mughal throne. #history #mughal
Aurangzeb Defeats Dara Shikoh By Payag - http://www.harvardartmuseums.org/art/216542, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22271968
Aug 1, 1666 CE
Shivaji Captured and Escapes
Shivaji is captured by Aurangzeb's forces but escapes from Agra, marking Maratha resistance. #history #maratha
Shivaji Captured and Escapes By Unknown author - British Museum, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20762644
Jun 6, 1674 CE
Shivaji Crowned Chhatrapati
Shivaji is crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigad, formally establishing the Maratha Empire. #history #maratha
Nov 24, 1675 CE
Execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Aurangzeb orders the execution of Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur for refusing to convert to Islam, escalating Sikh-Mughal conflict. #history #sikh
Execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur By Ahsan - Originally re-discovered by Dr. Trilochan Singh and published by him in his book 'Guru Tegh Bahadur: Prophet & Martyr'. Re-published in-colour in 'Sikh Heritage: Ethos & Relics'. Shared by Amar Singh Panesar, via: [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=169127668
Apr 3, 1680 CE
Death of Shivaji
Shivaji dies, succeeded by his son Sambhaji, who continues Maratha expansion. #history #maratha
Mar 11, 1689 CE
Execution of Sambhaji
Aurangzeb captures and executes Maratha king Sambhaji, but Maratha resistance continues. #history #maratha
Execution of Sambhaji By Unknown author - British Library, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69081177
Mar 3, 1707 CE
Death of Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb dies, and the Mughal Empire enters a period of decline with weak successors. #history #mughal
Death of Aurangzeb By Darbarscene.jpg: Cordanrad derivative work: Rani nurmai (talk) - Darbarscene.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14992925
Mar 20, 1739 CE
Nadir Shah Invasion
Nadir Shah of Persia invades and sacks Delhi, massacring thousands and looting the Peacock Throne. #history #mughal
Nadir Shah Invasion By possibly by Muhammad Ali ibn Abd al-Bayg ibn Ali Quli Jabbadar - https://collections.mfa.org/objects/13926/equestrian-portrait-of-nadir-shah-afshar?ctx=cf0f7e57-3a31-4954-be44-f922bf4d620c&idx=1, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26850917
Jun 23, 1757 CE
Battle of Plassey
The British East India Company defeats the Nawab of Bengal, establishing British dominance in India. #history #british
Battle of Plassey By Francis Hayman - http://www.sterlingtimes.org/memorable_images56.htm (http://www.sterlingtimes.org/clive_of_india.jpg) NPG link: http://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw01347/Robert-Clive-and-Mir-Jafar-after-the-Battle-of-Plassey-1757 Current image source [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=565912
Jan 14, 1761 CE
Third Battle of Panipat
The Maratha Empire suffers a devastating defeat against the Afghan Durrani Empire, weakening both. #history #maratha
Third Battle of Panipat By AnonymousUnknown author - British Library, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4268330
Oct 22, 1764 CE
Battle of Buxar
The British defeat the combined forces of the Mughal emperor and the Nawabs of Bengal and Awadh, gaining control. #history #british
Battle of Buxar By David Martin - one or more third parties have made copyright claims against Wikimedia Commons in relation to the work from which this is sourced or a purely mechanical reproduction thereof. This may be due to recognition of the "sweat of the brow" doctrine, allowing works to be eligible for protection through skill and labour, and not purely by originality as is the case in the United States (where this website is hosted). These claims may or may not be valid in all jurisdictions. As such, use of this image in the jurisdiction of the claimant or other countries may be regarded as copyright infringement. Please see Commons:When to use the PD-Art tag for more information., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=194676094
1771 CE
Marathas Capture Delhi
Under Madhavrao I, Marathas recapture Delhi from Rohilla Afghans, restoring Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. #history #maratha
Marathas Capture Delhi By Bhoj Raj - Yale Center for British Art, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47324123
Jul 1, 1788 CE
Ghulam Qadir Sacks Delhi
The Rohilla chief Ghulam Qadir captures and plunders Delhi, blinding Emperor Shah Alam II. #history #mughal
1798 CE
Subsidiary Alliance Proposal
Lord Wellesley introduces the Subsidiary Alliance system, making Indian states subservient to the British. #history #british
Subsidiary Alliance Proposal By Sergent Louis François 1751 1847 - (rmn.fr) http://www.photo.rmn.fr/cf/htm/CPicZ.aspx?E=2C6NU0G40PNU, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12453921
Sep 11, 1803 CE
British Capture Delhi
The British East India Company captures Delhi after defeating the Marathas, placing the Mughal emperor under British protection. #history #british )
British Capture Delhi By James Grant - This file is from the Mechanical Curator collection, a set of over 1 million images scanned from out-of-copyright books and released to Flickr Commons by the British Library. View in BL Georeferencer View image on Flickr View all images from book View catalogue entry for book., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41336496
1835 CE
English Replaces Persian as Court Language
The British abolish Persian as the official language of Mughal courts, replacing it with English. #history #british
English Replaces Persian as Court Language By anonymous - https://clevelandart.org/art/2013.318.a, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76128723
May 10, 1857 CE
Indian Rebellion Begins
The Indian Rebellion against British rule begins; Bahadur Shah Zafar is proclaimed Emperor, but the British suppress it. #history #rebellion
Indian Rebellion Begins By Unknown authorUnknown author Cambridge University Press; Stanford's Geogl. Estabt.. - Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection Website., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11812257
Sep 20, 1857 CE
Fall of Delhi to British
British forces recapture Delhi after a siege, ending the rebellion and Mughal rule; Bahadur Shah Zafar is exiled. #history #mughal )
Fall of Delhi to British By Samuel Bourne - Downloaded by Fowler&fowler«Talk» 01:49, 5 March 2008 (UTC) from the British Library Website, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18990683
