Learning Outcomes
- Understanding the geopolitical changes in Central and West Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries.
- Analysis of Babur’s conquest of India and its significance.
- Examination of Humayun’s struggles and his engagements with Sher Shah.
- Evaluation of Sher Shah’s contributions to administration and governance.
Important Changes in Central and West Asia
Significant shifts occurred in Central and West Asia during the fifteenth century, particularly after the disintegration of the Mongol empire in the fourteenth century. Timur emerged as a unifying force, bringing Iran and Turan under one rule. His empire spanned from the lower Volga to the river Indus, including modern-day Turkey, Iran, Trans-Oxiana, Afghanistan, and parts of the Punjab. After Timur’s death in 1405, his grandson, Shahrukh Mirza, managed to maintain much of this empire, turning Samarqand and Herat into cultural centers of West Asia. The ruler of Samarqand held immense prestige within the Islamic world.
Decline of Timurid Power
The Timurid Empire’s decline in the second half of the fifteenth century was hastened by their tradition of partitioning the empire. This practice weakened their unity, allowing new forces to rise.
Babur’s Early Struggles
Babur ascended the throne of Farghana at the age of twelve in 1494. His early ambition was to conquer Samarqand, but after being defeated by Shaibani, he moved towards Kabul, which he captured in 1504. For the next fourteen years, Babur waited for an opportunity to reclaim his homeland, which led him eventually to look towards India.
Political Situation in Northwest India
By the time Babur turned his attention to India, the political landscape was ripe for his intervention. Sikandar Lodi had died in 1517, leaving Ibrahim Lodi to succeed him. Ibrahim’s attempts to centralize power led to discontent among the Afghan chiefs and the Rajputs.
Invitation to Invade India
As Babur dealt with Qandhar, Daulat Khan Lodi and his son, Dilawar Khan, sent an embassy inviting Babur to displace Ibrahim Lodi. Additionally, Rana Sanga also likely encouraged Babur to invade, setting the stage for Babur’s conquest of Punjab and eventually, India.
Battle of Panipat (20 April 1526)
Ibrahim Lodi’s inevitable conflict with Babur culminated in the Battle of Panipat. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Babur’s forces, bolstered by the Ottoman master-gunners Ustad Ali and Mustafa, used gunpowder and artillery effectively, marking a significant shift in Indian warfare. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Babur, breaking the Lodi power and giving him control over Delhi and Agra.
Important Note: The Battle of Panipat, while crucial, was not as politically decisive as often portrayed. Its real significance lies in opening a new phase in the struggle for dominance in North India.
Conflict with Rana Sanga
Rana Sanga’s ambitions to dominate eastern Rajasthan and Malwa brought him into conflict with Babur. Babur accused Sanga of breach of agreement for failing to support him against Ibrahim Lodi. Despite initial successes against some Mughal outposts, Sanga’s forces were ultimately defeated at the Battle of Khanwa in 1527, a fiercely contested battle that secured Babur’s position in the Delhi-Agra region.
Aftermath and Further Campaigns
Following his victory, Babur strengthened his position by capturing forts east of Agra and annexing parts of Alwar. However, the growing activities of the Afghans in eastern Uttar Pradesh soon diverted his attention.
Initial Challenges
Humayun succeeded Babur in December 1530, at just 23 years old, inheriting an empire fraught with challenges.
Humayun faced immediate issues with his brother Kamran, who seized Lahore and Multan, forcing Humayun to focus his attention eastward.
Campaign Against Bahadur Shah of Gujarat
In 1532, Humayun’s forces defeated the Afghans in eastern Uttar Pradesh and captured Chunar, a vital fort controlled by the Afghan sardar, Sher Khan. Despite his success, Humayun’s attention was soon diverted by the growing threat from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.
Humayun’s campaign against Bahadur Shah led to the annexation of Malwa and Gujarat, although these territories were quickly lost. Nevertheless, the campaign neutralized the threat posed by Bahadur Shah, allowing Humayun to focus on the struggle against Sher Khan.
Sher Khan’s Strategic Moves
Sher Khan, later known as Sher Shah, systematically planned to expel the Mughals from India. After defeating the Bengal king and capturing the fort of Rohtas, Sher Khan outmaneuvered Humayun, eventually leading to Humayun’s defeat at the Battle of Chausa in 1539 and the Battle of Kanauj in 1540.
Sher Shah’s Administration
Sher Shah ascended the throne of Delhi in 1540, ruling over the most extensive empire in North India since Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His reign marked a continuation and culmination of the Delhi Sultanate, with significant contributions to law, order, trade, and infrastructure.
End of the Sur Empire
Sher Shah’s death in 1545 was followed by a period of instability, allowing Humayun to recover Delhi and Agra in 1555, effectively ending the Sur Empire.
MCQ
What was the significant contribution of Sher Shah in the administration of his empire?
A) Codification of laws
B) Introduction of the dagh (branding) system
C) Establishment of the Grand Trunk Road
D) Standardization of the silver rupee
Answer: C) Establishment of the Grand Trunk Road
Comparison of Babur and Sher Shah’s Contributions
| Aspect | Babur | Sher Shah |
|---|---|---|
| Military Strategy | Introduced gunpowder and artillery | Centralized army with a focus on direct recruitment |
| Empire Building | Conquered and consolidated North India | Expanded the empire to Bengal, Malwa, and Rajasthan |
| Infrastructure | Laid gardens and developed cultural sites | Built Grand Trunk Road and sarais |
| Administration | Introduced a new state concept, balanced Crown prestige | Re-established law, order, and trade; introduced currency reforms |
| Legacy | Established Mughal dominance in India | His governance set the precedent for later Mughal administration |