BABUR (1483-1530)
* Founder of MUGHAL EMPIRE.
• Unified much of INDIA under one rule.
• Wrote 'BABURNAMA', his memoirs, considered a literary masterpiece.
Babur, He was the founder of Mughal Empire in India. His real name is ZAHIR-UD-DIN MUHAMMAD BABUR. He was also a central Asian ruler, poet, and warrior.
Babur was born on 14th February 1483 in Andijesan, Fergana Valley (present UZBEKISTAN ).
His father: UMAR SHEIKH MIRZA
Mother : QUTLUGH NIGAR KHANUM.
He had 5 wives .They are :
1. AISHA SULTAN BEGUM (chief wife)
2. ZAYNAB SULTAN BEGUM
3. MAHAM BEGUM
4. MA'SUMA SULTAN BEGUM
5. GULNAR AGHA
He had 5 sons and 4 daughters
Sons :
1. HUMAYUN (successor)
2. KAMRAN MIRZA
3. ASKARI MIRZA
4. HINDAL MIRZA
5. SHAHRUKH MIRZA (died in infancy)
Daughters:
1. FAKHR-UN-NISA BEGUM
2. GULBADAN BEGAM -
(Author of Humayun Nama)
3. GULCHEHRA BEGUM
4. SHAHZADA BEGUM
His siblings are:
1. JAHANGIR MIRZA (brother)
2. NASIR MIRZA(brother)
3. MIHRBAN MIRZA (brother)
4. SHAHZADA KHANUM (sister)
5. YUSUFZAI KHANUM(sister)
Babur was the descendant of the Turkish ruler Timur paternal way and the Mongol king Genghis Khan maternal way.
Babur's early life was marked by turmoil. His father died when he was 11, and he became the ruler of Fergana. His uncles and relatives contested his claim, leading to struggles for power.
Babur received a traditional Islamic education, studying Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Mongolian languages, literature, and history. He was influenced by:
1. Timurid traditions
2. Islamic values
3. Mongol customs
4. Persian literature (Rumi, Hafiz)
Babur began military training at 15, learning warfare, tactics, and leadership skills from his uncles and experienced commanders.
At 17, Babur conquered Samarkand, but lost it soon after. He regained Fergana and expanded his territories through strategic alliances and military campaigns.
Defeated by the Uzbek Shaibani Khan, Babur wandered between 1501 and 1519, seeking refuge in various courts, including the Safavid Empire.
In 1526 Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty and babur, the ruler of Kabul, fought at Panipat in Haryana. In history, this battle is referred as the First Battle of Panipat. Babar laid the foundation of the Mughal rule in India through this victory.
Babur established the Mughal rule in 1526. He ruled the Mughal Empire from 1526 to 1530, was characterized by a centralized government with a clear hierarchy. He divided the empire into provinces, known as subas, governed by subedars. The revenue system was organized through the jagir system, assigning land grants to nobles and officials. Babur also established a military organization divided into mansabs, with defined ranks and responsibilities, and a judicial system based on Islamic law.
The administrative structure consisted of Babur as the supreme authority, followed by subedars, mansabdars, diwan (finance minister), and qazi (chief justice). Babur implemented key reforms, including standardizing currency and weights, introducing Persian as the administrative language, promoting trade and commerce, and encouraging arts, literature, and architecture.
Despite facing challenges such as consolidating power amidst rival claimants, managing diverse regional cultures, and dealing with opposition from Afghan and Rajput rulers, Babur's administrative reforms laid the foundation for the Mughal Empire's growth and stability under his successors, particularly Akbar. His legacy extended beyond his reign, shaping the course of Indian history.
Babur had a complex and diverse relationship with his people. He relied on his nobles and officials, known as Begs and Amirs, for administrative and military support. Babur rewarded loyalty and merit, encouraged frank advice and criticism, and fostered a sense of camaraderie through shared experiences. Key nobles included Abdul Rahman Khan-e-Khanan, Bairam Khan, and Champan Begum, his sister.
Babur also connected with common people through public audiences (durbar), addressing grievances and implementing justice and fairness in administration. He supported education, arts, and architecture, interacting with Sufi saints, mystics, artisans, and craftsmen. Notably, Babur showed mercy to defeated foes, such as Ibrahim Lodi's family, while punishing rebellious subjects, like Rana Sanga's allies.
In his personal life, Babur's closest relationships were with his wife, Aisha Sultan Begum, daughter, Gulbadan Begum, and son, Humayun. His memoirs, the Baburnama, provide valuable insights into his relationships and personality. Through these connections, Babur established a strong foundation for the Mughal Empire, balancing authority with compassion and cultural enrichment.
Babur's relationships reflect his adaptable and inclusive nature, blending Central Asian, Islamic, and Indian influences. This diversity shaped the Mughal Empire's growth and legacy, influencing successive rulers and Indian history.
Babur's health declined significantly in his final years, due to chronic illness, physical strain from military campaigns, and emotional stress from family conflicts. Despite his poor health, Babur continued to attend to state matters, securing his legacy by appointing Humayun as his successor in 1529. However, this decision sparked rebellion by his second son, Kamran Mirza
In his final years, Babur also dealt with ongoing military campaigns against Afghan and Rajput rulers. His health continued to deteriorate, and he died on January 5, 1530, at the age of 47, in Agra. Initially buried in Agra, his body was later relocated to Kabul, fulfilling his wish to be buried in his ancestral homeland.
Babur's legacy was cemented through his establishment of the Mughal Empire in India, unifying diverse regions and cultures. He promoted arts, literature, and architecture, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history. His memoirs, the Baburnama, remain a valuable historical resource, offering insights into his life, reign, and personality.
Humayun's succession marked the beginning of a new era for the Mughal Empire, with challenges ahead, including consolidating power amidst rival claimants and managing regional conflicts and alliances. Babur's death had significant implications for Mughal politics, shaping the course of Indian history for centuries to come.
Babur's remarkable life, spanning nearly five decades, left an indelible mark on history. From his ancestral roots in Central Asia to his conquest of India, Babur's journey was a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership. As the founder of the Mughal Empire, he laid the foundation for a dynasty that would shape Indian history for centuries. Through his memoirs, the Baburnama, Babur continues to captivate readers with his candid reflections, poetic flair, and cultural insights. His legacy extends beyond the empire he built, inspiring generations with his courage, wisdom, and passion for life.
Thank You!
BY AL AMEEN THAHA
7th Standard
Comments
Post a Comment