There is no evidence that Bairam Khan ever showed disloyalty to Akbar or desire to usurp the power. However, the general would have forced Akbar to dismiss him. \Bairam Khan was an extraordinary military general who served for Mughal emperors Humayun and his son Akbar and had great contributions in expanding their kingdom. Bairam led Akbar to his victory against Hemu in the second battle of Panipat. As an able regent, he guided Akbar during hostile situations. Bairam was loyal to the Mughal Empire until Akbar came close to his nurse Mahan Anga’s that developed differences between the two.
When Humayun got the news about Islam Shahs death, he became enthusiastic to invade India. At this point of time, Bairam Khan came to his aid. Punjab was conquered, the Afghans were defeated and Delhi was captured without any oppositions. Bairam’s contribution was immense as the Mughal Empire again rose to glory. Humayun died when Akbar was only fourteen years old and Bairam took the responsibility to guide Akbar. Under his care, Akbar consolidated the shaken Mughal kingdom, into a vast empire. The Afghan army under Hemu Vikramaditya captured Agra and Delhi but Akbar’s army led by Bairam defeated Hemu in the second battle of Panipat (1556) and recaptured the lost territories.
Akbar’s nurse Mahan Anga had other ideas. She, along with his son Adham Khan hoped to rule herself. She forced Akbar to remove Bairam who in any way had grown old. Akbar was influenced and he arranged an excursion for Bairam to go on Hajj to Mecca. Bairam left for Mecca but on his way was met by an army sent by Adham Khan, which as per say was sent to escort him from the Mughal territories. Bairam felt humiliated and led an attack against the forces. Bairam was imprisoned and brought to the court of Akbar. Instead of disrespect, Akbar offered respect and honor and funded his proper excursion to Mecca. However destiny had other plans for Bairam, when he reached the port city of Cambay he was stabbed to death by a Afghan, whose father had been killed five years ago in a battle let by Bairam. Bairam died on January 31, 1561.