Describe the battle of Babar in India and its Significance.
Background of Babar
Babar, who laid the foundation of Mughal rule in India, belonged to the Chaghatai Turks. He was born on 14th February 1483 A.D. in Farghana, a small principality in central Asia, He was the eldest of three sons of Umar Sheikh Mirza, a small chieftain of Farghana. His father was a descendant from Timur while his mother was a descendant from Chingez Khan. After the death of father Babur became the ruler of Farghana but faced opposition of near relatives. His uncle Ahmed Mirza attacked him in 1490 but could not meet him. Another relative Shibani Khan tried to dethrone him but failed. Thus Babar suppressed his rivals and decided to extend his power and kingdom through further conquests.
Early Conquests
Babur established himself on the throne of Farghana. He was keen to capture Samarkand which was ruled by his uncle Ahmed Mirza. Though Babar conquered Samarkand but lost Farghana. But in 1499 he was able to capture Farghana. During the years from 1502 to 1504 Babur was very much disgusted with his primary difficulties. However, he was able to extend his conquests. He conquered Kabul, Samarkand and Central Asian principalities. He conquered and lost Samarkand thrice. Babar was not successful in his attempt of establishing his power in Kabul, Samarkand and Central Asian countries. So he directed his attention towards India. He had already heard the stories of the riches and wealth of India and conquest of Kabul had brought him close to Indian territory.
Political condition of India on the eve of Babar's invasion.
The political condition of India was not strong. There were a large number of states and principalities which were ruted by incompetent and luxurious kings who often fought among themselves for petty interests. There was no strong central authority. Though there were some important and powerful kingdoms but there was lack of nationalism. The Indian states like Delhi, Punjab, Kashmir, Sindh, Bengal, Malwa, Gujarat, Khandesh, Mewar, Orissa, Vijayanagar, Bahmani kingdom etc were ruled by different rulers who were jealous of one another and never thought of external danger. The Muslim rulers of south were also not much aware of the external threat. Babar, who was not only a military general but also a great diplomat, studied all these situations and decided to invade India. He led many expeditions from 1519 to 1525 A.D. and conquered Bajaur, Peshawar, Sialkot, Kandahar, Sindh, Lahore etc. With the invitation of Daulat Khan Lohani of Punjab Babr decided to Invade Delhi.
Battle foughts by Babar
Battle of Panipat (1526)
Babar proceeded towards Delhi with a strong force. It is well-known made five expeditions position. It is said that Rana Sangram Singh of Mewar that prior to his march against Ibrahim Lodhi, Babar on India and strengthened his invited Babar to invade Ibrahim Lodhi and assured him of his assistance from the east. Thus Babar was highly inspired and got support against Ibrahim Lodhi. As soon as Ibrahim Lodhi heard about this expedition of Babar he despatched his able generals Hamid Khan and Daud Khan to oppose Babar but both were defeated and pushed back. Afterwards, Babar prepared his army and proceeded towards Panipat. Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi also reached there with one Lakh soldiers. Both armies remained face to face for nearly a week from 12th of April to 19th ApriL 1526 A.D. Eventually Babar invaded during the night of 20th April but he failed to achieve any success. However Babar's forces surrounded the army of Ibrahim Lodhi and invaded fiercely. The army of Babar crushed the enemy from every corner and captured Ibrahim Lodhi who was killed in the battle field. Thus Babar came out with flying colours and set-up his rule by capturing Delhi. After the victory of Panipat, Babar founded himself surrounded with fresh difficulty because Mahmood Lodhi, who was the brother of Ibrahim Lodhi, was still alive and Rana Sangram Singh was trying to captured Delhi. So Babar faced another war.
Battle of Khanwa (March 17, 1526 A.D.)
Rana Sangram Singh of Mewar thought that Babar would go back but when Babar decided to stay back then the war of Khanwa took place to decide who would be the ruler of Delhi. Consequently, a terrible war was fought in between Babar and Rana Sangram Singh allied with Mahmood Lodh and rebel Afghan chiefs. The battle took place at Khanua on March 17, 1527 A.D. near Fatehpur Sikri. Before the war took place Babar inspired his soldier with eloquent speech and promised not to touch wine. He asked his soldiers to dedicate their lives for Holy cause. Consequently, the forces of Babur fought bravely and achieved glorious success. Babar applied tactful policy and defeated the strong forces of Rana Sangram Singh. Rana Sangram Singh was badly wounded and escaped from the battle ground. The Rajput failed to oppose Babar and Babur became the ruler of Delhi.
The battle of Khanwa deprived the Rajputs to establish their political supremacy in the country forever.
Battle of Chanderi (1528 A.D.)
Babar decided to crush the allies of Rana Sanga. So he invaded Chanderi which was ruled by a Rajput ruler named Medini Rai who had assisted Rana Sanga in the battle brof Khanua. Though the Rajput forces fought bravely but were ultimately defeated and Medini Rai was killed. The Rajputs were slained in a large number and the fort of Chanderi was plundered. Battle of Ghaghra (1529 A.D.): Mahmood Lodhi and some rebel Afghan chiefs were still alive and
could be proved fatal for Babar. Considering all these factors, Babar suddenly marched towards Mahmood Lodhi and crushed the power of the Afghans including Mahmood Lodhi. It is said that the Afghans were so much disappointed with their defeat that they joined Babar. Thus Babar cleared all the obstacles and set-up Mughal rule in India. He came to be known as the founder of Mughal Empire in India.
Babar could not live longer and failed to enjoy the fruits of his labour. He fell sick and his health began to deteriorate and ultimately he passed away on December 26, 1630 A.D. His body was buried in Ram Bagh (Aram Bagh) on the bank of the river Yamuna in Agra.
Significance of Babar's conquests
Babar achieved remarkable success and set-up the foundation of Mughal Empire in India. The battles fought by Babar brought down the prestige and glory of Rajput rulers, The rule of Lodhi dynasty came to an end. The Afghans were compelled to accept the supremacy of Babar. Most of the rulers and princes of India accepted the suzerainty of Babar. The Rajput rulers who dreamt of setting-up their power failed to materialise their schemes. The Mughal rulers ruled for about 300 years and caused a remarkable change in the political, social and religious fields in India.
Babar as a general
Great as a statesman Babar was equally great as a soldier and general. We learn from his "Memoirs" that he was a dedicated soldier and always stood firm in every circumstances. loved his soldiers more than his own life and provide all the facilities required for the soldiers. However, he was a great disciplinarian who punished his soldiers severely if they violated the rules of army. Babar was an able diplomat who exercised much influence in the battle field. He was a forcefuborator and always kept the morals of his soldiers high. In addition to it, Babar was also a great administrator, scholar, empire builder, statesman, diplomat and a man of religion. After death he was succeeded by his son Humayun in 1530.
