Important Battles of the Mughal Empire List

Discover the most important battles of the Mughal Empire, including major battles which were led by Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Aurangzeb that shaped Indian history.

The Mughal Empire, one of India’s most powerful dynasties, expanded and sustained its rule through warfare. Each emperor faced challenges from rival kingdoms, rebellious factions, and foreign invaders. This article explores the important battles of the Mughal Empire that defined the reigns of Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Aurangzeb.

List of Famous Battles of Mughal Empire

Below is the list of most famous battles of Mughal Empire:

Battle Date Location Opponents Outcome
First Battle of Panipat April 21, 1526 Panipat, Haryana Mughals (Babur) vs. Ibrahim Lodi (Delhi Sultanate) Mughal victory; establishment of Mughal rule in India.
Battle of Khanwa March 16, 1527 Khanwa, Rajasthan Mughals (Babur) vs. Rana Sanga (Rajput Confederacy) Mughal victory; consolidation of Mughal power in North India.
Battle of Chanderi January 1528 Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh Mughals (Babur) vs. Medini Rai (Rajput chief) Mughal victory; Rajput resistance weakened.
Battle of Ghaghra May 6, 1529 Ghaghra River, Bihar Mughals (Babur) vs. Afghans (Mahmud Lodi and Sultan Nusrat Shah) Mughal victory; further expansion of Mughal territory.
Battle of Chausa June 26, 1539 Chausa, Bihar Mughals (Humayun) vs. Sher Shah Suri (Sur Empire) Sur victory; Humayun defeated and forced into exile.
Battle of Kannauj May 17, 1540 Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh Mughals (Humayun) vs. Sher Shah Suri (Sur Empire) Sur victory; Humayun lost control of the Mughal Empire.
Battle of Bilgram May 17, 1540 Bilgram, Uttar Pradesh Mughals (Humayun) vs. Sher Shah Suri (Sur Empire) Sur victory; Humayun decisively defeated, leading to his exile.
Second Battle of Panipat November 5, 1556 Panipat, Haryana Mughals (Akbar) vs. Hemu (Hindu King) Mughal victory; Hemu defeated, securing Akbar’s rule.
Siege of Chittorgarh 1567–1568 Chittorgarh, Rajasthan Mughals (Akbar) vs. Rajputs of Mewar Mughal victory; Chittorgarh captured, but Rajput resistance continued.
Battle of Haldighati June 18, 1576 Haldighati, Rajasthan Mughals (Akbar) vs. Maharana Pratap (Mewar) Tactical draw; Mughals gained strategic advantage but failed to capture Pratap.
Battle of Tukaroi March 3, 1575 Tukaroi, Odisha Mughals (Akbar) vs. Sultanate of Bengal Mughal victory; annexation of Bengal into the Mughal Empire.
Battle of Raj Mahal 1576 Raj Mahal, Bengal Mughals (Akbar) vs. Daud Khan Karrani (Bengal Sultanate) Mughal victory; complete control over Bengal.
Siege of Ahmednagar 1595 Ahmednagar, Maharashtra Mughals (Akbar) vs. Nizam Shahi Dynasty Mughal victory; Ahmednagar captured but later lost.
Battle of Dewair 1582 Dewair, Rajasthan Mughals (Akbar) vs. Maharana Pratap Rajput victory; Maharana Pratap regained control of Dewair.
Battle of Asirgarh 1600–1601 Asirgarh Fort, Madhya Pradesh Mughals (Akbar) vs. Khandesh Sultanate Mughal victory; Asirgarh Fort captured, expanding Mughal control in the Deccan.
Battle of Bhuchar Mori July 1591 Bhuchar Mori, Gujarat Mughals (Akbar) vs. Gujarat Sultanate Mughal victory; Gujarat annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Battle of Samugarh May 29, 1658 Samugarh, Uttar Pradesh Aurangzeb vs. Dara Shikoh (Mughal princes) Aurangzeb’s victory; Dara Shikoh’s forces defeated.
Battle of Dharmat April 15, 1658 Dharmat, Madhya Pradesh Aurangzeb vs. Dara Shikoh’s forces Aurangzeb’s victory; weakened Dara Shikoh’s position.
Battle of Khajwa January 5, 1659 Khajwa, Uttar Pradesh Aurangzeb vs. Shah Shuja (Mughal prince) Aurangzeb’s victory; Shah Shuja retreated to Bengal.
Battle of Deorai April 12-14, 1659 Deorai, Rajasthan Aurangzeb vs. Dara Shikoh Aurangzeb’s victory; Dara Shikoh captured and executed.
Battle of Saraighat 1671 Saraighat, Assam Mughals vs. Ahom Kingdom Ahom victory; Mughals failed to conquer Assam.
Battle of Karnal February 24, 1739 Karnal, Haryana Mughals (Muhammad Shah) vs. Nader Shah (Persian Empire) Persian victory; Nader Shah sacked Delhi and looted the Mughal treasury.
Battle of Buxar October 22, 1764 Buxar, Bihar Mughals (Shah Alam II) vs. British East India Company British victory; marked the beginning of British dominance in India.
Siege of Delhi 1857 Delhi Mughals (Bahadur Shah Zafar) vs. British East India Company British victory; end of the Mughal Empire and exile of Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Important Battles of Mughal Empire: Important Battles of Babur

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, introduced gunpowder warfare to India. His victories established Mughal dominance.

Battle Year Opponent(s) Location Outcome
Battle of Panipat 1526 Ibrahim Lodhi (Delhi Sultanate) Panipat, India Decisive victory for Babur; marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.
Battle of Khanwa 1527 Rana Sanga (Rajput Confederacy) Khanwa, India Babur defeated Rana Sanga, consolidating Mughal power in North India.
Battle of Chanderi 1528 Medini Rai (Rajput Chief) Chanderi, India Babur captured Chanderi, further weakening Rajput resistance.
Battle of Ghaghra 1529 Afghan Confederacy (Mahmud Lodi) Ghaghra River, India Babur defeated the Afghans, securing his control over Bihar and Bengal.
Battle of Bajaur 1519 Bajaur Tribes Bajaur, Afghanistan Babur captured Bajaur, expanding his territory in the region.
Battle of Kabul 1504 Muqim Beg Arghun Kabul, Afghanistan Babur captured Kabul, establishing it as his base for future campaigns.
Battle of Kandahar 1522 Shah Beg Arghun Kandahar, Afghanistan Babur captured Kandahar, strengthening his hold over Afghanistan.
Battle of Sar-e-Pul 1501 Muhammad Shaybani (Uzbeks) Sar-e-Pul, Afghanistan Babur was defeated by the Uzbeks, leading to his temporary exile.
Battle of Qalat 1506 Nasir Mirza (Babur’s brother) Qalat, Afghanistan Babur defeated his brother, consolidating his control over his territories.
Battle of Hisar 1526 Afghan Chiefs Hisar, India Babur defeated the Afghans, securing his position in northern India.
Battle of Akhsi 1503 Jahangir Mirza (Babur’s brother) Akhsi, Fergana Valley Babur was defeated by his brother, losing control of Fergana.
Battle of Kul Malik 1502 Tambal (Rebel Leader) Fergana Valley Babur was defeated, leading to further instability in his early rule.
Battle of Maruchak 1507 Muhammad Shaybani (Uzbeks) Maruchak, Afghanistan Babur was defeated by the Uzbeks, forcing him to retreat.
Battle of Ghazni 1504 Mukim Beg Arghun Ghazni, Afghanistan Babur captured Ghazni, strengthening his position in Afghanistan.
Battle of Kohat 1519 Yusufzai Tribes Kohat, Pakistan Babur defeated the Yusufzai tribes, securing the region.
Battle of Bhira 1519 Local Chiefs Bhira, Pakistan Babur captured Bhira, expanding his influence in the Punjab region.
Battle of Sialkot 1520 Local Chiefs Sialkot, Pakistan Babur captured Sialkot, further consolidating his hold in Punjab.
Battle of Lahore 1524 Daulat Khan Lodi Lahore, Pakistan Babur defeated Daulat Khan Lodi, securing Lahore.
Battle of Dibalpur 1525 Afghan Chiefs Dibalpur, Pakistan Babur defeated the Afghans, strengthening his position in Punjab.
Battle of Sikri 1527 Rana Sanga’s Allies Sikri, India Babur defeated Rana Sanga’s allies, further weakening Rajput resistance.

Important Battles of Mughal Empire: Important Battles of Humayun

Humayun struggled to maintain the empire, facing strong resistance from Afghan rulers and Rajputs.

Battle/Campaign Year Opponent Outcome Significance
Battle of Dadrah 1532 Afghans under Mahmud Lodi Victory for Humayun Consolidated Mughal control in eastern India.
Siege of Kalinjar 1533 Rajputs of Kalinjar Inconclusive Humayun abandoned the siege to focus on Gujarat.
Battle of Mandu 1534 Bahadur Shah of Gujarat Victory for Humayun Humayun captured Mandu and expanded Mughal control in Malwa.
Capture of Champaner 1535 Bahadur Shah of Gujarat Victory for Humayun Humayun captured the fortress of Champaner, further weakening Gujarat.
Battle of Chausa 1539 Sher Shah Suri Defeat for Humayun Humayun narrowly escaped, losing significant territory to Sher Shah Suri.
Battle of Bilgram (Kanauj) 1540 Sher Shah Suri Decisive defeat for Humayun Humayun was decisively defeated, leading to his exile from India for 15 years.
Campaign in Sindh 1541-1543 Local rulers of Sindh Mixed results Humayun sought refuge in Sindh but faced resistance and eventually left for Persia.
Skirmishes in Persia 1543-1545 Local Persian rulers Mixed results Humayun gained support from Shah Tahmasp I of Persia during his exile.
Battle of Qandahar 1545 Kamran Mirza (his brother) Victory for Humayun Humayun captured Qandahar from his brother Kamran Mirza.
Recapture of Kabul 1545 Kamran Mirza Victory for Humayun Humayun regained control of Kabul, a base for his eventual return to India.
Battle of Machhiwara 1555 Afghans under Sikandar Suri Victory for Humayun Humayun defeated the Afghans, securing his path to Delhi.
Battle of Sirhind 1555 Sikandar Shah Suri Victory for Humayun Humayun regained control of Delhi, marking the restoration of the Mughal Empire.
Campaign in Punjab 1555 Afghans under Sikandar Suri Victory for Humayun Humayun secured Punjab, paving the way for his return to Delhi.

Important Battles of Mughal Empire: Important Battles of Akbar

Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal emperors, fought extensively to expand and consolidate the empire.

Battle/Campaign Year Opponent Outcome Significance
Second Battle of Panipat 1556 Hemu (Hindu king of Delhi) Victory for Akbar Established Akbar’s rule in North India; marked the beginning of Mughal dominance.
Siege of Chittor 1567-1568 Rana Udai Singh II of Mewar Victory for Akbar Akbar captured Chittor Fort, a key Rajput stronghold.
Battle of Haldighati 1576 Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar Tactical victory for Akbar, but Rana Pratap escaped Though inconclusive, it weakened Mewar’s resistance against the Mughals.
Conquest of Gujarat 1572-1573 Gujarat Sultanate Victory for Akbar Gujarat was annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Siege of Ranthambore 1568 Surjan Hada of Ranthambore Victory for Akbar Ranthambore Fort was captured, strengthening Mughal control in Rajasthan.
Conquest of Bengal 1574-1576 Daud Khan Karrani of Bengal Victory for Akbar Bengal was annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Conquest of Kabul 1581 Mirza Muhammad Hakim (Akbar’s brother) Victory for Akbar Kabul was brought under Mughal control.
Conquest of Kashmir 1586 Yusuf Shah Chak of Kashmir Victory for Akbar Kashmir was annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Conquest of Sindh 1591-1592 Mirza Jani Beg of Sindh Victory for Akbar Sindh was annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Conquest of Orissa 1592 Afghans under Qutlu Khan Lohani Victory for Akbar Orissa was annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Conquest of Baluchistan 1595 Pani Afghans Victory for Akbar Baluchistan was brought under Mughal control.
Conquest of Kandahar 1595 Persian forces Victory for Akbar Kandahar was captured from the Persians.
Deccan Campaigns 1595-1601 Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda Mixed results Akbar captured parts of the Deccan but faced resistance from regional sultanates.
Siege of Ahmednagar 1600 Chand Bibi of Ahmednagar Victory for Akbar Ahmednagar Fort was captured, but the sultanate continued to resist.
Battle of Asirgarh 1601 Miran Bahadur Shah of Khandesh Victory for Akbar Asirgarh Fort was captured, marking the end of major Deccan campaigns.

Important Battles of Mughal Empire: Major Battles of Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb’s reign saw continuous warfare, stretching the empire’s resources.

Battle/Campaign Year Opponent Outcome Significance
Battle of Dharmat 1658 Raja Jaswant Singh (Dara Shikoh’s ally) Victory for Aurangzeb Aurangzeb defeated Dara Shikoh’s forces, strengthening his claim to the throne.
Battle of Samugarh 1658 Dara Shikoh (his brother) Victory for Aurangzeb Aurangzeb defeated Dara Shikoh, securing his path to the Mughal throne.
Battle of Khajwa 1659 Shah Shuja (his brother) Victory for Aurangzeb Aurangzeb defeated Shah Shuja, eliminating another rival for the throne.
Siege of Golconda 1687 Abul Hasan Qutb Shah (Golconda Sultanate) Victory for Aurangzeb Golconda was annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Siege of Bijapur 1686 Sikandar Adil Shah (Bijapur Sultanate) Victory for Aurangzeb Bijapur was annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Annexation of Assam 1662-1663 Ahom Kingdom Temporary victory for Aurangzeb Assam was briefly annexed but later lost to the Ahoms.
Campaign against Shivaji 1660s-1680s Marathas under Shivaji Mixed results Aurangzeb struggled to contain Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare and Maratha expansion.
Battle of Purandar 1665 Marathas under Shivaji Victory for Aurangzeb Shivaji was forced to sign the Treaty of Purandar, but he later rebelled.
Battle of Sinhagad 1670 Marathas under Tanaji Malusare Defeat for Aurangzeb The Marathas recaptured Sinhagad Fort, a key stronghold.
Deccan Wars 1681-1707 Marathas under Sambhaji, Rajaram, and Tarabai Prolonged conflict, mixed results Aurangzeb spent the last 25 years of his life in the Deccan, exhausting Mughal resources.
Siege of Jinji 1690-1698 Marathas under Rajaram Victory for Aurangzeb (after prolonged siege) Jinji Fort was captured, but Maratha resistance continued.
Battle of Wai 1687 Marathas under Sambhaji Victory for Aurangzeb Sambhaji was captured and executed, but Maratha resistance persisted.
Annexation of Palamau 1673 Chero Kingdom Victory for Aurangzeb Palamau was annexed into the Mughal Empire.
Campaign against the Jats 1669-1691 Jats under Gokula and Raja Ram Mixed results Aurangzeb faced persistent rebellion from the Jats in the Mathura region.
Campaign against the Sikhs 1675-1705 Sikhs under Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh Mixed results Aurangzeb executed Guru Tegh Bahadur and clashed with Guru Gobind Singh, but Sikh resistance continued.

The important battles of the Mughal Empire shaped its rise and fall. From Babur’s early victories to Aurangzeb’s prolonged wars, each battle influenced India’s political landscape. These famous Mughal battles highlight the military strategies and challenges faced by the empire’s rulers.

Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!

 

Important Battles of Mughal Empire FAQs

 The Battle of Kannauj (1540) led to Humayun’s downfall when Sher Shah Suri defeated him, forcing him into exile.

 The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was significant because it saw Maharana Pratap resist Akbar’s expansion, even though the Mughals won.

 The Mughal-Maratha Wars (1680s–1707) were Aurangzeb’s biggest challenge, as his prolonged struggle against the Marathas drained Mughal resources.

 The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) secured Akbar’s rule when his forces defeated Hemu, reestablishing Mughal dominance in India.

guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

UPSC Prelims TS 2025 -Hindi Medium
UPSC Prelims TS 2025 -Hindi Medium

Let's Connect with Counselor


Prelims Samadhaan + Mentorship 2025
Prelims Samadhaan + Mentorship 2025



Join theIAShub’s Mains Answer Writing Program

Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.

Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !

Let's Connect with Counselor

Empowering Future Leaders with theIAShub

theIAShub is dedicated to shaping the next generation of civil servants by providing a transformative preparation platform tailored to the unique challenges of UPSC CSE. From mastering the foundational concepts for Prelims to crafting impactful answers for Mains and excelling in the Personality Test, we ensure every aspirant is equipped with the skills and strategies required to succeed.
With a perfect blend of online and offline learning options, our programs are designed to deliver personalized guidance and cutting-edge resources. theIAShub’s renowned Test Series for GS Prelims, Mains, CSAT, Essay, and Optional Subjects empowers aspirants through continuous evaluation and improvement, fostering a deep understanding and readiness for every stage of the examination.

Shaping Aspirants into Visionary Leaders

At theIAShub, our mission is to inspire, guide, and empower aspirants to transform their potential into tangible success. Through our innovative mentorship ecosystem, aspirants receive individualized feedback, actionable strategies, and focused attention that help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. As pioneers in UPSC preparation, we combine expertise, innovation, and commitment to create an unparalleled learning experience. Whether through engaging workshops, insightful resources, or interactive sessions, theIAShub fosters a community where aspirants not only prepare for exams but also develop the mindset of future leaders dedicated to nation-building.

Join theIAShub and become part of a transformative journey, where your aspirations meet the guidance, support, and excellence needed to succeed in the world of civil services.