MUGHALS - Akbar

Babar, a Chagatai Turk, was descendent of Timur-Lang (Tamerlane) and Ghengis Khan, the Mongol warriors. He founded the Mughal empire by defeating Ibrahim Lodhi of Delhi at Panipat in 1526 AD. This Mongol connection eventually gave the name `Mughal' to his newly founded empire in northern India (the word Mughal is Indian derivative of Mongol). He later won a decisive battle with Rana Sanga, a hero of Rajput warriors. Rajputs fought with desperate valour but lost in battle of Kanwa, near Agra in 1527. But Babur could not enjoy the fruits of his hard won victories, he died in 1530 leaving his unorganised empire to his son Humayun.

Humayun could not retain control over his Sultanate and soon lost to Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan leader born in India from a very humble family. Sher who had rendered a valuable service to Babur in his military campaign, rapidly rose in ranks and eventually became a ruler of Bihar. He soon defeated Humayun at Chaunsa near Buxar in 1539 and took control of Delhi and whole of Gangetic plains as far as Bengal. He died in 1545 in an accident caused by exploding gunpowder.

After the defeat, Humayun wandered India for next 15 years during which his son Akbar was born. At last with the help of the Shah of Persia, he captured Kandahar and regained lost territories. Like his father, he also could not live long to enjoy his newly acquired empire and died from an accidental fall from the staircase of his library in Delhi.

His young son Akbar (1556-1605 AD) took control and had to face a major challenge from Himu, a Hindu General of Afghan rulers of Bihar. Himu was a very capable general and had won 22 successive battles when he marched towards Delhi. While Akbar was in the Punjab, he captured Delhi and proclaimed himself the ruler of India with a coveted title of Vikramaditya. The issue of supremacy had to be resolved, so both the armies met on the battleground of Panipat. This was a historically crucial battle, also known as the second battle of Panipat. Luck favoured Akbar, as just when the Mughals were losing the ground, a chance arrow struck Himu in eye and he fell unconscious, creating confusion among his soldiers. They assumed that Himu was dead, and left the battlefield. During this confusion, the helpless Himu was captured alive, and slain immediately by Akbar. The Mughals took the advantage, and reoccupied Delhi and most of the territories of Afghan rulers and nobles. This ended the long Mughal-Afghan contest for supremacy in India giving clear verdict in favour of the greatest Mughal, Akbar. Akbar tried to conciliate the brave Rajputs (the warrior clan of north-western India, well known for their fighting spirit) and secured their active co-operation in almost all his activities. His empire was in fact outcome of the bringing together of Mughal diplomacy and Rajput valour and service. Bihari Mall and his grandson Mann Singh of Amber (Jaipur) were the first Rajputs kings who cemented their friendship by matrimonial alliance. Many other Rajput rulers followed the suit including Bikaner and Jaisalmer who gave their daughters in the marriages to Akbar. The Rajput princess of Bikaner, Jodhabai, bore him his legitimate son Salim who later inherited the empire and ruled India in name of Jahangir.