Zaheeruddin Mohammad Babur: Mughals originated from the Chagatai Turks, a branch linked to the legacy of Genghis Khan’s second son. Babur, a Chagatai Turk, played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India.
About Zaheeruddin Mohammad Babur
- Babur is the founder of the Mughal Empire in India.
- He was a descendant of Timur (on his father’s side) and Genghis Khan (on his Mother’s side).
- His original name was Zahiruddin Muhammad.
- In 1494 at the age of 11, Babur became the ruler of Farghana (at present in Chinese Turkistan) succeeding Umar Shaikh Mirza, his father.
- Daulat Khan, the most powerful noble of Punjab, who was discontented with Ibrahim Lodhi, invited Babur to invade India.
- He undertook four expeditions to India in order to conquer it between the years 1519 and 1523.
Military Conquests
- In 1504, Babur seized control of Kabul, marking the beginning of his conquests in the Indian subcontinent.
- In 1524, Babur successfully captured Lahore; however, he faced a setback when Daulat Khan turned against him, forcing Babur to retreat to Kabul.
- In November 1525, Babur launched a renewed assault on Punjab, reclaiming the region.
- On April 21, 1526, Babur achieved a significant victory in the First Battle of Panipat by defeating Ibrahim Lodi.
- Babur’s strategic brilliance and effective use of artillery played a crucial role in overcoming Lodi’s vast and superior forces.
- Following his triumph, Babur swiftly occupied Delhi, marking the establishment of Mughal dominance in India.
- Babur, declaring himself the “Emperor of Hindustan,” further solidified his rule by sending his son Humayun to seize Agra.
Rana Sangha & Babur
- A Formidable Rajput WarriorRana Sangha, a renowned Rajput warrior from Mewar, emerged as a formidable force against Babur’s expansion plans.
- March 16, 1527On March 16, 1527, Rana Sangha, joined by rulers from Marwar, Amber, Gwalior, Ajmer, and Chanderi, along with Sultan Mahmood Lodi, confronted Babur near Agra at Kanhwa.
- The objective was to thwart foreign repression.
- Battle of KanhwaDespite the valiant efforts of the Rajput alliance, Babur employed strategic tactics reminiscent of the Battle of Panipat, leading to his triumph.
- He assumed the title of “Ghazi” to signify his success.
- In 1528, Babur captured Chanderi from the Rajput king Medini Rai, further expanding his territorial control.
- Battle on the Banks of Gogra, May 6, 1529
- On May 6, 1529, Babur secured a significant victory against the allied Afghans of Bihar and Bengal on the banks of Gogra, near Patna.
- This triumph marked the occupation of a substantial portion of northern India.
- On December 26, 1530, Babur passed away in Agra at the age of 40.
- Initially laid at Arambagh in Agra, his body was later transported to Kabul for burial.
Estimate of Babur
- He was an eminent scholar in Arabic and Persian.
- His mother tongue was Chaghatai Turkic.
- He was said to be a statesman.
- He wrote his memoirs, Tuzuk-i-Baburiin Turki language.
Read Also: Nadir Shah’s Invasion (1738–39)
