Mughal Empire List PDF – List of Mughal Emperors in India (2025 Update)

Explore the updated list of Mughal Emperors in India, their reigns, and key contributions to the Mughal Empire from 1526 to 1857. Download the PDF for extensive insights.

The Mughal Empire was a significant part of Indian history, known for its remarkable contributions in various fields. This empire included notable emperors such as Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, each contributing uniquely to the empire's heritage through reforms and cultural advancements.

Established in 1526, the Mughal Empire expanded to cover much of the Indian subcontinent by 1707, including present-day India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Despite a rapid decline in power thereafter, the Mughals continued to exert nominal influence until the 1850s. They were descendants of the Central Asian Timurid dynasty and founded by Babur, a descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan.

Mughal Empire List

The Mughal Empire was initiated by Babur, who after being displaced from his homeland in Turkistan, moved to India through the Khyber Pass. His significant victory at the Battle of Panipat in 1526 marked the empire's inception. However, Babur was occupied with military campaigns and could not stabilize his conquests.

Following Babur, his son Humayun faced challenges from rivals leading him to exile in Persia, which forged diplomatic ties that later influenced the Mughal court culture. Humayun's eventual return restored Mughal rule, yet his untimely death meant his son Akbar, a key figure in the Mughal dynasty, ascended at a young age under the guidance of his regent, Bairam Khan.

List of Mughal Emperors in India

Below is a comprehensive list of Mughal emperors who ruled from 1526 to 1857.

EmperorReignDescription
Babur1526–1530Founder of the Mughal Empire; defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat.(1526)
HumayunI- 1530–1540 II – 1555–1556Exiled in Persia; restored Mughal rule; led a more unified empire during his second reign.
Akbar1556–1605Known for military victories and significant cultural developments; abolished Jizyah tax.
Jahangir1605–1627Recognized for establishing relations with the British East India Company.
Shah Jahan1628–1658Luxuriated in architecture, notably constructing the Taj Mahal.
Aurangzeb1658–1707Last powerful emperor; expanded the empire's territory; faced significant opposition in later years.
Bahadur Shah I1707–1712His reign coincided with the beginning of the empire's decline.
Jahandar Shah1712–1713An ineffective ruler, known for being a figurehead.
Furrukhsiyar1713–1719His rule involved political manipulation by influential nobles.
Rafi Ul-Darjat1719Short-lived emperor, selected by the Syed Brothers.
Rafi Ud-Daulat1719Another brief reign as a puppet of influential nobles.
Muhammad Shah1719–1720 1720–1748His era faced invasion and significant challenges from Maratha forces.
Ahmad Shah Bahadur1748–1754His tenure was marred by civil conflict.
Alamgir II1754–1759His period ended violently due to court conspiracies.
Shah Jahan III1759-1760Overthrown in the Third Battle of Panipat.
Shah Alam II1760–1806Known for struggles against British expansion and reforming the army.
Akbar Shah II1806–1837Under British protection; his power diminished significantly.
Bahadur Shah II1837–1857The last Mughal emperor, deposed during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Mughal Empire List from 1526-1857
Mughal Emperors List with Photo

Mughal Empire List PDF

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Prime Ministers of India List From 1947 to 2025