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Who was Bayram Khan and how did he help Akbar secure the Mughal throne?

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Akbar A painting titled *Akbar Hunting* from a folio of *Akbarnama* (“History of Akbar”), late 16th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

Bayram Khan was a prominent statesman who served as the chief minister and regent to Akbar during the early years of his reign.12

Following the death of Akbar’s father, Humayun, in 1556, the nascent Mughal state faced a severe crisis as several key regions, including Delhi, were lost to the Hindu minister Hemu. Bayram Khan played a critical role in securing the throne by guiding the young emperor and overseeing the military efforts to reclaim lost territory.123

Most notably, he was instrumental in the Mughal victory at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556, where Mughal forces defeated Hemu. This victory was a turning point that ensured Akbar’s succession and turned the tide in Hindustan in favor of the Mughal dynasty. Under Bayram Khan’s guidance, Akbar’s authority was gradually consolidated and extended until the emperor began to govern independently in 1560.12