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.
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.
