BABUR

Babur was the first Mughal emperor. He was born

on 14 Feb 1483 in Andijan (presentday Uzbekistan),
the eldest son of Amir Umar Shaykh Mirza. Babur
was known for his love of beauty in addition to his
military ability. Babur concentrated on gaining
control of northwestern India.

HUMAYUN
Babur’s favorite son Humayun took the reins of the
empire after his father succumbed to disease at the
young age of forty-seven. Humayun lost control of
his kingdom early on in his reign, but later
with Persian aid, he would eventually regain an
even larger one. Humayun was a keen astronomer.

AKBAR
Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun whose rule
was interrupted by the Afghan Sur Dynasty, which
rebelled against him. It was only just before his
death that Humayun was able to regain the empire
and leave it to his son. He created a ranked imperial
service based on ability rather than birth.

JAHANGIR
Prince Salim (b. 1569 son of a Hindu Rajput
princess from Amber), who would later be known
as Emperor Jahangir showed signs of restlessness
towards the end of the long reign of his father
Akbar. During the absence of his father from Agra
he pronounced himself king and turned rebellious.

SHAH JAHAN
The Taj Mahal, named for Arjumand Banu, who was
called Mumtaz Mahal, was built by Shah Jahan. The
great Jama Masjid built by Shah Jahan was the
largest in India at the time. He renamed Delhi after
himself as Shahjahanabad. Shah Jahan also built
or renovated forts in Delhi and in Agra.

AURANGZEB
Aurangzeb, who was given the title "Alamgir" or
"world-seizer," by his father, is known for
expanding the empire's frontiers and for his
acceptance of Islam law. During his reign, the
Mughal empire reached its greatest extent.