List of Mughal Emperors (1526 -1857): Overview

List of Mughal Emperors (1526 -1857):- When we talk about the longest-ruling dynasties in India before the British colonial rule, the Mughals definitely top the list. The Mughal Empire ruled large parts of India for almost 300 years, which is a huge chapter in our history. Starting with Babur in 1526, the dynasty saw powerful emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, each leaving behind a unique legacy. From grand forts and beautiful gardens to cultural growth and administrative reforms, the Mughal period shaped India in many ways we still see today. That is why the history of Mughal Emperors is very important, not just for school studies, but also for general knowledge in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Defence, and many more. 

Questions about the List of Mughal Emperors or their contributions often appear in these exams. Knowing the list of Mughal emperors in order helps us understand how the empire expanded, who ruled when, and what major events took place under their reigns. From Babur’s first battle in Panipat to Aurangzeb’s long and controversial rule, each emperor played a key role in shaping India’s political and cultural landscape. Whether it’s Akbar’s policy of religious tolerance, Shah Jahan’s timeless monuments, or Aurangzeb’s strict rule, every name in this list has a story that connects directly to how India evolved over time. So, if you’re preparing for exams or simply love Indian history, knowing about the Mughal dynasty is both useful and interesting. 

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History of the Mughal Emperors

The story of the Mughal Empire begins in 1526, when Babur, a descendant of Timur on his father’s side and Genghis Khan on his mother’s, defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat. This marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India. Babur came from the Fergana Valley (present-day Uzbekistan) and had already conquered parts of Kabul before setting his sights on Hindustan. With his military strategies and use of advanced warfare techniques like artillery, he established the foundation of what would become one of the most influential dynasties in Indian history.

So, if you are asked who the first Mughal emperor was, Babur is known as the first Mughal Emperor of India. Although his reign was relatively short (he ruled from 1526 to 1530), it laid the groundwork for a powerful empire that would last for nearly three centuries. After Babur, his son Humayun took over, followed by great rulers like Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, each contributing to the expansion and richness of the empire.

List of Mughal Emperor in Order

 Check out the list of of Mughal Emperor in Order below:- 

List of Mughal Emperors: Famous

1. Babur (1526–1530)

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, came from Central Asia and changed the course of Indian history by defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526). He introduced new warfare techniques like gunpowder and field artillery. Babur also defeated powerful rivals like Rana Sanga in the Battle of Khanwa and Medini Rai at Chanderi. He was a skilled writer too, his autobiography Tuzuk-i-Baburi, written in Turkish, gives us a numerous information about his life and early Mughal India.

2. Humayun (1530–1540 & 1555–1556)

Babur’s son, Humayun, faced many hardships in holding on to the empire. He suffered major defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri in the Battles of Chausa and Kannauj and went into exile for 15 years. With the support of his loyal officer Bairam Khan, he made a strong comeback in 1555 and regained the throne. Unfortunately, just a year later, he died in a tragic accident, falling from the stairs of his library. His short reign was full of ups and downs, but made the way for his son Akbar’s greatness.

3. Akbar the Great (1556–1605)

Crowned at the age of 13, Akbar is widely regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history. Under the guidance of Bairam Khan, he defeated Hemu in the Second Battle of Panipat. Akbar expanded the Mughal Empire across central and northern India, including regions like Gujarat, Malwa, Chittor, and Bengal. He is remembered for his Mansabdari System, Todar Mal’s revenue reforms, and religious tolerance. His new faith, Din-i-Ilahi, aimed to unite people of all religions. Akbar’s rule brought political stability and cultural richness that shaped the soul of India.

4. Jahangir (1605–1627)

Akbar’s son Jahangir inherited a strong empire and maintained its glory. Known for his sense of justice, he set up the famous Zanjir-i-Adal (Chain of Justice) at Agra Fort. His court welcomed British envoys like Sir Thomas Roe and Captain Hawkins, which laid the foundation of British presence in India. However, his reign also saw controversial decisions like the execution of Guru Arjun Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. His failure to defend Kandahar, lost to the Persians, remains a political low point.

5. Shah Jahan (1627–1658)

Shah Jahan is often associated with India’s most iconic structure, the Taj Mahal, built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. His reign is considered the Golden Age of Mughal Architecture. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and parts of Shalimar Gardens also came up during this time. While his rule was marked by luxury and beauty, it was also peaceful and well-organised. 

6. Aurangzeb (1658–1707)

Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan’s son, was the last of the great Mughal emperors. After defeating his brothers in a brutal war of succession, he became emperor and expanded the Mughal Empire to its largest extent, stretching from Kashmir to Jinji, and Hindukush to Chittagong. Known for his orthodox Islamic policies, he reintroduced the jizya tax and imposed strict rules. His execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, drew criticism. Though his empire grew vast, internal revolts and his rigid rule weakened the foundation of the Mughal Empire.

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Interesting Facts About Mughal Emperors

1. Babur introduced gunpowder and field artillery in Indian warfare, changing the way battles were fought forever.

2. Humayun was once defeated and exiled for 15 years, but returned to reclaim his throne, a rare comeback in Indian history.+

3. Humayun died tragically by falling down the stairs of his personal library.

4. Akbar, though illiterate, had an extraordinary memory and hosted daily reading sessions where scholars would read to him.

5. Akbar introduced the Din-i-Ilahi, an ethical system blending the best elements of various religions, promoting religious harmony.

6. Akbar abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims, one of the earliest examples of state-level religious tolerance in Indian history.

7. Jahangir installed the Zanjir-i-Adal (Chain of Justice) outside his palace, allowing anyone to directly seek justice from the emperor.

8. Jahangir had a deep love for nature and wildlife; his court painters made detailed illustrations of plants, animals, and birds.

9. Shah Jahan built not just the Taj Mahal, but also the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Shah Jahanabad (now Old Delhi).

10. Shah Jahan’s reign is called the Golden Age of Mughal Architecture due to the many iconic buildings constructed under his rule.

11. Aurangzeb ruled for nearly 50 years, the longest reign of any Mughal emperor, expanding the empire to its greatest territorial extent.

12. Mughal gardens, like the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir and the Charbagh-style gardens, reflected their love for symmetry and paradise-inspired designs.

13. The Mughal courts were centres of art, poetry, and miniature painting, especially during the reigns of Akbar and Jahangir.

14. The empire saw the fusion of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian art styles, influencing everything from clothing to architecture.

15. Many Mughal emperors promoted trade with Europeans, which eventually led to the establishment of British, Portuguese, and Dutch trading posts in India.

16. Under Akbar and Shah Jahan, Hindustani classical music flourished, and many famous ragas and instruments gained royal patronage.

17. The Mughal Empire had a highly efficient administration, including Todar Mal’s revenue system and the Mansabdari system for military and civil ranks.

18. The Mughals were known for their luxurious lifestyle, including elaborate banquets, perfumes, jewellery, and silk garments.

19. Urdu, a language developed during the Mughal era, blended Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and local dialects, and is still widely spoken today.

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Mughal Emperor of India FAQs

1. Who was the first Mughal Emperor of India?

• Babur was the first Mughal Emperor. He founded the Mughal Empire in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.

2. How long did the Mughal Empire rule India?

• The Mughal Empire ruled India for over 300 years, from 1526 until the British took control in 1857, when the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was exiled.

3. What was the achievement of Akbar?

• Akbar is famous for promoting religious tolerance and establishing the Din-i-Ilahi, a blend of various religious ideas. 

4. Who was the last Mughal Emperor?

• The last Mughal Emperor was Bahadur Shah Zafar, who reigned from 1837 to 1857.

5. Why is Shah Jahan famous in history?

• Shah Jahan is renowned for building the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.