The Mughal Empire (1526–1857) was one of the greatest empires in Indian history, known for strong administration, prosperity, and cultural achievements. Before the Mughals firmly established their rule, the Sur Dynasty (1540–1555) briefly ruled North India under Sher Shah Suri, who introduced important administrative reforms.
Table of Contents
Early Mughals
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Babur (1526–1530)
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Founder of the Mughal Empire, descended from Timur (father’s side) and Genghis Khan (mother’s side).
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Invaded India and defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), establishing Mughal rule.
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Defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar at the Battle of Khanwa (1527) and Afghan chiefs at Ghagra (1529).
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Known for his memoirs (Baburnama).
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Humayun (1530–1540, 1555–1556)
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Faced opposition from Afghans and Rajputs.
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Defeated by Sher Shah Suri at the Battle of Kanauj (1540) and fled to Persia.
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Regained the throne in 1555 with Persian help but died in 1556.
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Sur Dynasty (1540–1555)
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Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545)
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Originally an Afghan noble, he defeated Humayun and established the Sur Dynasty.
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Brilliant administrator:
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Introduced land revenue reforms based on measurement of land.
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Improved roads and communication; built the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) from Bengal to Punjab.
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Introduced Rupiya (silver coin) and efficient postal system.
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Died in 1545 during a battle.
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Successors (1545–1555)
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His successors like Islam Shah and others were weak.
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The dynasty declined quickly, paving the way for Humayun’s return and the re-establishment of Mughal rule.
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Consolidation of the Mughals
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After Humayun’s death, his son Akbar succeeded in 1556 and firmly consolidated the Mughal Empire.
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Akbar’s reign marked the beginning of the Mughal golden age.
Key Takeaway
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The Mughals began with Babur’s victory at Panipat in 1526, but their rule was interrupted by the Sur Dynasty under Sher Shah Suri, who introduced lasting reforms.
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The Sur dynasty’s fall enabled the Mughals, under Akbar, to establish one of the most powerful and culturally rich empires in Indian history.