Ascension to the Throne #
Humayun, the eldest son of Babur, ascended the Mughal throne in December 1530, following his father’s death. At the time, the Mughal Empire was still in a formative stage, and Humayun faced the daunting task of consolidating his father’s conquests and dealing with various internal and external challenges.
- Inheritance of the Empire: Humayun inherited a fragile empire, composed of territories in northern India, parts of Afghanistan, and some regions in modern-day Pakistan. The empire was surrounded by powerful rivals and internal dissent, which posed significant threats to his rule.
Conflicts with Afghan Rulers #
Sher Shah Suri:
- Rise of Sher Shah: One of Humayun’s most formidable adversaries was Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan noble and military leader. Sher Shah, originally named Farid Khan, gained prominence by capturing Bihar and Bengal, thereby posing a significant threat to Mughal authority in the region.
- Battle of Chausa (1539): In an attempt to curb Sher Shah’s rising power, Humayun confronted him at the Battle of Chausa. However, Humayun was defeated due to Sher Shah’s superior tactics and the desertion of some of his allies. This defeat forced Humayun to retreat and regroup.
- Battle of Kannauj (1540): Humayun faced Sher Shah again at the Battle of Kannauj (also known as the Battle of Bilgram). Sher Shah’s well-organized army decisively defeated Humayun’s forces, leading to the latter’s flight from India. This victory enabled Sher Shah to establish the Suri Dynasty and rule much of northern India.
Strategic Retreat and Exile:
- Flight to Persia: After his defeat, Humayun spent several years in exile. He first sought refuge with various regional rulers, including the Sindhi and Rajput chiefs. Eventually, he found asylum at the court of Shah Tahmasp I of the Safavid Empire in Persia.
- Alliance with the Safavids: In Persia, Humayun formed an alliance with the Safavid ruler, Shah Tahmasp. With Persian support, Humayun managed to regain his strength and prepare for a return to India.
Conflicts with Rajput Rulers #
Rajput Resistance:
- Challenges from Rajput Confederacies: The Rajput rulers of northern and western India were significant forces of resistance against Mughal expansion. The Rajputs, known for their martial prowess and strong sense of independence, formed confederacies to oppose Mughal dominance.
- Siege of Chittor (1535): One of the notable conflicts during Humayun’s reign was the siege of Chittor, led by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Humayun intervened in this conflict, ultimately defeating Bahadur Shah and lifting the siege. However, this victory was temporary, and the Rajput resistance remained a persistent challenge.
Internal Dissent:
- Family Rivalries: Humayun also faced internal dissent from his own family. His brothers, Kamran, Askari, and Hindal, controlled various territories within the empire and often acted independently. These internal divisions weakened Humayun’s ability to effectively consolidate his rule.
- Rebellions and Betrayals: Humayun’s attempts to assert control over his brothers’ territories led to rebellions and betrayals. Kamran, in particular, posed a significant challenge by aligning with Afghan and Rajput rulers against Humayun.
Restoration and Return to Power #
Regaining Kabul:
- Reconquest of Kabul: With Persian support, Humayun launched a campaign to reclaim Kabul from his brother Kamran. After a series of battles and negotiations, Humayun successfully regained control of Kabul in 1545.
Preparation for Return to India:
- Consolidation of Power in Afghanistan: Humayun spent the next several years consolidating his power in Afghanistan, preparing for a return to India. He strengthened his administration, reorganized his army, and secured alliances with local chieftains.
- Support from the Safavids: Humayun’s alliance with the Safavids remained crucial during this period. Persian support provided him with the resources and military backing needed for his eventual return to India.
Final Campaigns:
- Battle of Sirhind (1555): In 1555, Humayun launched his final campaign to reclaim his lost territories in India. He defeated the forces of Sikandar Suri, the then-ruler of Delhi, at the Battle of Sirhind. This victory marked Humayun’s triumphant return to power in India and the restoration of Mughal rule.
Conclusion #
Humayun’s initial reign was marked by significant challenges and conflicts with Afghan and Rajput rulers. His defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri and the persistent resistance from the Rajputs underscored the fragility of Mughal authority during this period. Despite these setbacks, Humayun’s resilience and strategic alliances, particularly with the Safavid Empire, enabled him to eventually reclaim his throne and re-establish Mughal rule in India. His experiences and the lessons learned during this tumultuous period set the stage for the future consolidation and expansion of the Mughal Empire under his son, Akbar.
