Bairam Khan
Also called: Khan-i-Khanan · Topic: The Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Bairam Khan was a Turkman noble who served Humayun loyally. When Akbar became emperor at 13 in 1556, Bairam Khan became his guardian and regent, meaning he ruled on the boy's behalf. He led the Mughal army that defeated Hemu at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556. His title was Khan-i-Khanan ("chief of nobles"). Akbar dismissed him in 1560 and took power himself. Bairam Khan was killed in 1561 while travelling to Mecca.
Example
From 1556 to 1560, Bairam Khan held the young empire together. He won back Delhi from Hemu and strengthened Mughal rule before Akbar began ruling on his own.
Don't confuse with
- Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan: he was Bairam Khan's son. He held the same title and was a noble and poet under Akbar.
Related concepts
- Humayun
- Battle of Chausa
- Battle of Kannauj
- Sher Shah Suri
- Grand Trunk Road
- Rohtas Fort
- Purana Qila
- Sher Shah's tomb, Sasaram
- Humayun-nama
- Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad