Medieval India

Rise of Babur & Humayun in Mughal Period

By Examguru / 07 Jul, 2025 / Download PDF

More Articles

Rise of Babur & Humayun in Mughal Period

Babur: 1526–30

Foundation of the Mughal Rule

  • The foundation of the Mughal rule in India was laid by Babur in 1526.

  • He was a descendant of Timur (from the side of his father) and Chengiz Khan (from the side of his mother).

Major Battles and Victories

  • Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the first battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526, and established the Mughal dynasty, which lasted till the establishment of British rule in India.

  • In 1527, he defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar at Khanwa,

  • In 1528, he defeated Medini Rai of Chaneri at Chanderi,

  • In 1529, he defeated Muhammad Lodhi (uncle of Ibrahim Lodhi) at Ghaghra.

Death and Tomb

  • In 1530, he died at Agra. His tomb is in Kabul.

Military Innovations

  • He adopted the Tughluma and the flanking party system and was the first to use gunpowder and artillery in India.

Writings and Literary Contributions

  • He wrote his autobiography Tuzuk-i-Baburi in Turki in which he gives an excellent account of India and his empire.

  • Tuzuk-i-Baburi was translated into Persian (named Babumama) by Abdur Rahim Khanekhana and into English by Madam Bevridge.

  • He compiled two anthologies of poems, Diwan (in Turki) and Mubaiyan (in Persian). He also wrote Risa-i-Usaz or letters of Babur.

Humayun: 1530–40 and 1555–56

Accession to the Throne

  • He was the son of Babur and ascended the throne in 1530.

  • His succession was challenged by his brothers Kamran, Hindal, and Askari, along with the Afghans.

Battles with Sher Shah Suri

  • He fought two battles against SherShah at Chausa (1539) and Kannauj/Bilgram (1540) and was completely defeated by him.

  • He escaped to Iran, where he spent 12 years of his life in exile.

Return and Restoration

  • After Sher Shah's death, Humayun invaded India in 1555 and defeated his brothers, the Afghans. He once again became the ruler of India.

Death and Legacy

  • He died while climbing down the stairs of his library (at Din Panah) in 1556 and was buried in Delhi.

  • British orientalist Lane Poole remarked on Humayun’s misfortune:

"Humayun tumbled through life, and he tumbled out of it."

Family and Literary Contributions

  • His sister, Gulbadan Begum, wrote his biography Humayunama.

  • He built Din Panah in Delhi as his second capital.

Final Thoughts

The reigns of Babur and Humayun laid the foundation for the powerful Mughal Empire in India. Babur’s military skills, strategic innovations, and cultural contributions established a strong base for future rulers.

Humayun’s journey was filled with challenges, including defeat and exile, but his return to power ensured the continuity of the dynasty. Despite a short and troubled reign, he preserved what his father had built. Together, their efforts set the stage for the empire’s golden age under Akbar and beyond.

More Related Articles

Introduction - Indian History

What is History? The study of the Past is called ‘History’. The English word ‘History is derived from the Greek word ‘historia’, meaning research, in

examguru by ExamGuru

Historical Sources (Literary & Archaeological Source)

  Historical sources provide information about events of the past. They are mainly of two types: Literary Sources—These are written records such as religious texts, historic

examguru by ExamGuru

Human Evolution Pre-Historic Period

Africa was the original homeland of humans. For this reason, Africa is often referred to as "the Cradle of Humankind." The following two theories are prevalent in connection with

examguru by ExamGuru

The Stone Age/Lithic Age 30,00,000 BC to 1,000 BC

During the early period of humans, some archaeological evidence was found in which stone implements were found in great numbers. That's why this period is called the Lithic Age, Le Stone Age. T

examguru by ExamGuru

7 Highlights of India's Prehistoric Ages

Definition & Features Derived from Greek: Chalco (Copper) + Lithic (Stone) = Copper-Stone Age. Marked by the use of copper alongside stone tools. The transitional phas

examguru by ExamGuru

Origin & Culture of Aryans in Vedic India

Origin of the Aryans The origin of the Aryans is debated. Some scholars say they were indigenous to India, while others argue they migrated from regions like Central Asia (as per Max Muller), E

examguru by ExamGuru

Mahajanapada Period (600 BC- 325 BC)

The Mahajanapadas were sixteen great kingdoms or republics in ancient India during the 6th century BCE. These are mentioned in Buddhist (Anguttara Nikaya, Mahavastu) and Jain (Bhagavati Sutta)

examguru by ExamGuru

Religious Movements (600 BC - 400 BC) – Jainism, Buddhism

Various religious movements viz. Buddhism, Jainismetc. were bom and grew up in the Post-Vedic Period known as the Period of Second Urbanisation or the Age of Buddha (6th Century BC to 4th Century

examguru by ExamGuru

Maurya Period (322 BC - 155 BC)

The Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE) was one of the most powerful and centralized empires in Indian history, founded by Chandragupta Maurya and reaching its zenith under Emperor Ashoka. But h

examguru by ExamGuru

Post-Maurya/Pre-Gupta Period (185BC-319 AD)

I. Native Successors of the Mauryas Sunga Dynasty: 185 BC – 73 BC [Capital – Vidisha (M.P.)]The  The Sunga Dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Sunga, a Brahmin Commande

examguru by ExamGuru

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham