Chapter # 2 – Nationalism in the Subcontinent
2.1.2 Enlist the First Five Rulers of Mughal Dynast
The first five rulers of the Mughal dynasty were:
Babur (1526-1530): Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi, in the Battle of Panipat in 1526 and established Mughal rule over northern India.
Humayun (1530-1540; 1555-1556): Humayun was Babur’s son and the second Mughal emperor. He faced challenges from Afghan rulers and lost his empire temporarily to Sher Shah Suri. Humayun later regained power and continued to expand the Mughal Empire.
Akbar (1556-1605): Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal emperors, succeeded Humayun at a young age. Under his rule, the Mughal Empire expanded significantly, and Akbar implemented religious tolerance policies and administrative reforms. His reign is known for cultural achievements and the establishment of a centralized administrative system.
Jahangir (1605-1627): Jahangir, Akbar’s son, ruled during a period of stability and artistic flourishing in the Mughal Empire. He continued many of Akbar’s policies and expanded trade relations with European powers.
Shah Jahan (1628-1658): Shah Jahan, Jahangir’s son, is famous for commissioning the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. His reign is known for its architectural achievements and cultural splendor. However, it was also marked by political and economic challenges.
These first five rulers played key roles in shaping the Mughal Empire and its legacy in Indian history. Each emperor contributed to the empire’s expansion, cultural development, and administrative organization during the early years of Mughal rule in India.