Background and Foundation under Babur (1526–1530)
- Central Asian Origins
- Babur, a descendant of Timur (Tamerlane) and Genghis Khan, originally ruled Fergana in Central Asia before conquering Kabul in 1504.
- Motives for Invasion
- Babur invaded northern India seeking wealth, territory, and to restore his family’s fortunes after losing Samarkand.
- First Battle of Panipat (1526)
- Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of Delhi, using gunpowder, artillery, and cavalry tactics, establishing the Mughal Empire.
- Military Innovation
- His use of field artillery and tulughma (flanking formation) revolutionized Indian warfare.
- Foundation of Mughal Rule
- Babur consolidated control over Delhi and Agra, laying the groundwork for centralized rule.
Definition
Timurid Lineage
- Refers to Babur’s descent from Timur, giving legitimacy to his rule.
Definition
Gunpowder Empire
- Term describing empires like the Mughals, Ottomans, and Safavids that relied on firearms to expand power.
Case study
The First Battle of Panipat (1526)
The Battle
- Babur’s army of around 15,000 soldiers faced Ibrahim Lodi’s 100,000 troops and 1,000 war elephants.
- Used artillery and defensive formations with carts chained together (the Ottoman-style artilley park).
- The noise and power of gunfire panicked Lodi’s elephants, causing chaos in his own ranks.
- Lodi was killed in battle, and Delhi was captured.
- The victory marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.
Significance
- Introduced modern warfare to the subcontinent.
- Ended the Delhi Sultanate and replaced it with centralized Mughal authority.
- Gave Babur control of northern India’s fertile plains, providing economic stability.
- Established the Mughal dynasty’s claim to rule by conquest and legitimacy.
- Set the stage for later expansion under his successors.
Consolidation and Challenges under Humayun (1530–1556)
- Inherited a Fragile Empire
- After Babur’s death, Humayun faced rebellion from Afghan and Rajput rulers.
- Defeat by Sher Shah Suri
- In 1540, the Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun at the Battle of Kannauj, forcing him into exile in Persia.
- Years in Exile
- Humayun spent 15 years seeking support, gaining Persian military aid and cultural influence.
- Restoration of Power
- Returned to India in 1555 with Persian help and reconquered Delhi and Agra.
- Sudden Death
- Died in 1556 after falling down the steps of his library, leaving a restored but unstable empire to his son Akbar.
Definition
Sher Shah Suri
- Afghan ruler who briefly overthrew the Mughals and established the Sur Empire (1540–1555).
Definition
Restoration of Delhi (1555)
- The Mughal comeback that paved the way for Akbar’s consolidation.
Case study
The Rule of Sher Shah Suri (1540–1555)
Reforms and Achievements
- Established efficient administration and revenue systems, later adopted by the Mughals.
- Built the Grand Trunk Road, improving trade and communication across India.
- Introduced a silver coin (rupiya) and standardized taxation.
- Strengthened the postal and policing systems.
- Promoted justice and merit-based appointments.
Legacy for the Mughals
- Although a rival, Sher Shah’s model inspired later Mughal governance.
- His efficient bureaucracy influenced Akbar’s land revenue (Zabt) system.
- Demonstrated the value of centralized, merit-based rule.
- After his death, instability in the Sur Empire allowed Humayun’s return.
- His short rule showed that strong administration, not just conquest, was key to lasting empire.
Significance of the Babur–Humayun Era
- Foundation of a Dynasty
- Babur’s conquest established the Mughals as legitimate rulers of northern India.
- Administrative Legacy
- Early Mughal governance and military systems influenced all later emperors.
- Cultural Exchange
- Humayun’s Persian exile brought Persian art, architecture, and literature to India.
- Continuity of Vision
- Both rulers sought to merge Central Asian, Persian, and Indian traditions into one empire.
- Transition to Stability
- Despite setbacks, their rule paved the way for Akbar’s Golden Age.
Common Mistake
- Overlooking Humayun: Students often skip his role; his exile and return were crucial for Mughal recovery.
- Confusing Sher Shah as a Mughal: He ruled against the Mughals but laid foundations they later adopted.
- Treating Babur’s victory as accidental: It was based on superior strategy, not just luck or technology.
Exam technique
- Compare Leadership Styles: Babur’s military genius vs. Humayun’s resilience and diplomacy.
- Use Battles as Anchors: Mention Panipat (1526) and Kannauj (1540) for clarity and structure.
- Show Continuity: Link their reigns to Akbar’s later success for stronger essay flow.
Self review
- Examine the reasons for Babur’s success in establishing the Mughal Empire in 1526.
- To what extent did Humayun’s exile and return shape the survival of Mughal power?
- Assess the roles of Babur and Humayun in laying the foundations for Mughal administration and culture.
