Table of Contents
JOURNEY OF BABUR
- The most powerful state of northern India was Mewar. Its ruler Sangram Singh alias Rana Sanga had united all Rajput rulers of Rajputana under him either by wars or by diplomacy.
- He was trying to weaken not only the neighbouring kingdoms of Malwa and Gujarat but was desirous to capture Agra and Delhi from Ibrahim Lodi
JOURNEY OF BABUR
- The most powerful state of south India was Vijayanagara which was ruled by its most illustrious ruler, Krishnadeva Rai. Besides, there were the kingdoms of the Berar, the Ahmadnagar, the Bijapur, the Golkunda and the Bidar which had sprung up after the division of the Bahmani kingdom.
- These states fought among themselves as well as against Vijayanagara. Thus, the states of southern India had neither interest nor the capacity to look after the politics of northern India.
- Thus, India lacked political unity and stability at that time. The different rulers were fighting against each other yet, none of them succeeded in creating a powerful empire which could face the challenge of a foreign invader.
JOURNEY OF BABUR
- Babur had to face many difficulties after the battle of Panipat. The Afghan nobles declared their independence at several places after the defeat of Ibrahim.
- Mahmud Lodi, the younger brother of Ibrahim Lodi, who had fled away from the battle of Panipat, tried to organise the Afghans to settle his score against Babur.
- The people of India, fearing Babur as a foreign invader, vacated their villages and prepared themselves to safeguard their property and honour.
- Rana Sanga died in 1528 A.D. and that finished the dream of the Rajputs to conquer Delhi forever. It also reduced the power of resistance of the Afghans against the Mughuls. The position of Babur was now secure in India.
BATTLE OF CHANDERI(1528)
- Babur, now, was firmly established in India and his centre of power shifted from Kabul to Delhi after battle of khanwa.
- Chanderi was situated on the border of Malwa and Bundelkhand and therefore, was important both politically and economically. Besides, it was now in the hands of a Rajput chief, Medini Rai who had freed himself from the sovereignty of the ruler of Malwa.
- Babur decided to destroy his power and therefore, demanded Chanderi in exchange of Shamsabad. It was refused and Babur attacked Chanderi on 29 January 1528 A.D. Medini Rai was killed in the battle and the tort of Chanderi was captured by Babur. However, it was handed over to Ahmad Shah, a descendant of the ruling dynasty of Malwa.
BATTLE OF GHAGHARA
- The Afghans attempted once more to recapture Delhi. They had assembled in Bihar, were led by Mahmud Lodi.
- Babur proceeded towards the east to subdue them. The Afghans began to withdraw when they received the news of the approach of Babur and many of them surrendered. But, Babur was determined to finish their menace for once and all.
- The Afghans under Mahmud Lodi were forced to fight at the banks of Ghaghara on 6 May 1529 A.D. and completely defeated. Mahmud Lodi fled away to Bengal and many Afghan rebels surrendered to Babur.
MUGHAL RULE
- The battle of Ghaghara was the last battle of Babur in India. He had succeeded in establishing the Mughul empire in India and there was nobody to challenge his power in northern India. But, now he was near his death.
- It has been expressed by several historians that Humayun, the eldest son of Babur fell ill and when showed no sign of improvement Babur offered his own life to God in return of his son.
- Babur died due to his own illness. Babur nominated his son Humayun as his successor and died on 26 December 1530 A.D. He was buried at Aram Bagh in Agra but later on was removed and buried in Kabul at the place chosen by himself during his lifetime.
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