Humayun was succeeded by _______

Correct option is A

After the death of Mughal emperor Humayun in 1556, his 13-year-old son Akbar succeeded him as the next ruler of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was crowned at Kalanaur under the regency of Bairam Khan. Despite his young age, Akbar went on to become one of the greatest emperors in Indian history. He expanded the empire significantly and introduced policies of religious tolerance and administrative reforms. His reign marked the consolidation of Mughal rule in India.
Explanation of options: (a) Akbar – This is the correct answer. Akbar, the son of Humayun, took the throne in 1556 with Bairam Khan acting as regent. Akbar's reign is considered the golden age of the Mughal Empire due to his military conquests, inclusive policies, and cultural contributions. He successfully expanded the empire to most of the Indian subcontinent and emphasized unity across religious lines. His leadership left a lasting impact on Indian history.
(b) Jahangir – Jahangir was the son of Akbar, not Humayun. He became emperor after Akbar’s death in 1605. Jahangir continued many of Akbar’s policies but is better remembered for his patronage of the arts and strict administration of justice. While he played a significant role in Mughal history, he did not directly follow Humayun. This makes the option historically inaccurate for this question.
(c) Babur – Babur was Humayun’s father and the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. He ruled from 1526 until his death in 1530. Humayun succeeded Babur, not the other way around. Thus, Babur cannot be the successor to Humayun. This option represents a reverse of the actual generational and historical timeline and is incorrect in this context.
(d) Shah Jahan – Shah Jahan was the son of Jahangir and the grandson of Akbar. He became emperor in 1628, long after Humayun’s reign. Shah Jahan is well known for architectural achievements such as the construction of the Taj Mahal. However, he is two generations after Humayun and thus not directly related as his successor. Hence, this option is also incorrect.