In which year was Jalal ud din Muhammad Akbar formally proclaimed emperor of the Mughal Empire after the death of Humayun?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines knowledge of basic Mughal chronology. Akbar is one of the most important Mughal rulers and students are expected to know when he ascended the throne. The year of his formal proclamation as emperor marks the beginning of a long and influential reign in Indian history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Humayun died suddenly after a fall from the steps of his library in Delhi.
Akbar was a minor at the time and was initially under the regency of Bairam Khan.
The proclamation as emperor occurred early in his career at a place called Kalanaur.

Concept / Approach:
The simplest way to answer is by remembering that Akbar ascended the throne soon after Humayun died in 1556. This year is widely given as the start of his reign. Later years like 1557, 1558, or 1560 may involve important events but do not mark the formal proclamation of his rule.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize that Humayun died in 1556.Recall that Akbar was proclaimed emperor in the same year at Kalanaur in Punjab.Eliminate dates that are clearly later, such as 1558 and 1560.Therefore, the correct year is 1556 AD.

Verification / Alternative check:
History texts generally mention the Battle of Panipat in 1556 against Hemu, fought under Akbar and Bairam Khan, which further confirms that Akbar was already recognized as emperor in that year. This fits consistently with the date given by the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1557 AD and 1558 AD are close but do not match the documented date of accession.
1560 AD is associated more with later shifts in Akbar direction and his eventual dismissal of Bairam Khan, not with his first proclamation.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners misplace the year by a one or two year margin because they confuse the date of the proclamation with later milestones in Akbar reign. Remembering the sequence Humayun death in 1556 followed immediately by Akbar accession helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is 1556 AD.