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.
| Emperor | Reign | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Babur | 1526–1530 | Founder of the Mughal Empire; defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat.(1526) |
| Humayun | I- 1530–1540 II – 1555–1556 | Exiled in Persia; restored Mughal rule; led a more unified empire during his second reign. |
| Akbar | 1556–1605 | Known for military victories and significant cultural developments; abolished Jizyah tax. |
| Jahangir | 1605–1627 | Recognized for establishing relations with the British East India Company. |
| Shah Jahan | 1628–1658 | Luxuriated in architecture, notably constructing the Taj Mahal. |
| Aurangzeb | 1658–1707 | Last powerful emperor; expanded the empire's territory; faced significant opposition in later years. |
| Bahadur Shah I | 1707–1712 | His reign coincided with the beginning of the empire's decline. |
| Jahandar Shah | 1712–1713 | An ineffective ruler, known for being a figurehead. |
| Furrukhsiyar | 1713–1719 | His rule involved political manipulation by influential nobles. |
| Rafi Ul-Darjat | 1719 | Short-lived emperor, selected by the Syed Brothers. |
| Rafi Ud-Daulat | 1719 | Another brief reign as a puppet of influential nobles. |
| Muhammad Shah | 1719–1720 1720–1748 | His era faced invasion and significant challenges from Maratha forces. |
| Ahmad Shah Bahadur | 1748–1754 | His tenure was marred by civil conflict. |
| Alamgir II | 1754–1759 | His period ended violently due to court conspiracies. |
| Shah Jahan III | 1759-1760 | Overthrown in the Third Battle of Panipat. |
| Shah Alam II | 1760–1806 | Known for struggles against British expansion and reforming the army. |
| Akbar Shah II | 1806–1837 | Under British protection; his power diminished significantly. |
| Bahadur Shah II | 1837–1857 | The last Mughal emperor, deposed during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. |
Mughal Empire List PDF
You can download the Mughal Empire list PDF using the link below:
Download Mughal Empire List PDF
Also, check out:
Prime Ministers of India List From 1947 to 2025
