The second Mughal emperor, Humayun, is frequently eclipsed by his father, Babur, and his son, Akbar. But the tale of his reign is one of tenacity, survival, and a will to recover what was lost. Humayun experienced both triumph and defeat, escape and return, throughout his tumultuous early reign and his glorious restoration of the Mughal Empire. We shall examine Humayun's life, conflicts, relationships, and legacy in this blog.
Background:
The Mughal Heritage
Born as
Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad Humayun on March 6, 1508, Humayun was the eldest son of
Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. Babur had established the Mughal
foothold in India after defeating the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodi, at the
Battle of Panipat in 1526. Humayun, raised amidst the campaigns and victories
of his father, was groomed from an early age to continue the legacy of conquest
and empire-building. However, his path would be far more complex than he ever
imagined.
Early
Reign: The Fragile Throne
Humayun ascended to the Mughal throne in 1530, just after the death of
Babur. At the time, the Mughal Empire was still in its infancy, and Humayun
inherited a kingdom that was geographically vast but politically unstable. The
Rajputs in the west and the Afghans in the east constantly challenged Mughal
authority. Moreover, the kingdom lacked a unified administrative framework, and
the Mughal court was rife with internal rivalries, particularly among Humayun’s
brothers and other relatives.
One of Humayun’s immediate priorities was to consolidate his rule over the
territories won by Babur. He had to prove himself as a capable ruler, but his
inexperience and the political challenges he faced made this an uphill battle.
Strife with
Sher Shah Suri: The Loss of Empire
One of Humayun's most formidable adversaries was Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan
chieftain who would later become the founder of the short-lived Suri dynasty.
Sher Shah, originally a subordinate under Babur, rose through the ranks to
challenge Humayun’s authority. After a series of confrontations, Humayun and
Sher Shah faced off in 1539 at the Battle of Chausa, where Sher Shah decisively
defeated Humayun. This was a major blow to the Mughal forces, and it
significantly weakened Humayun's grip on power.
The final nail in the coffin came at the Battle of Kanauj in 1540, where
Humayun suffered another crushing defeat at the hands of Sher Shah. This loss
forced Humayun to flee India, and Sher Shah assumed control over much of
northern India, effectively displacing the Mughal Empire.
In Agra and
Lahore: The Search for Allies
After his defeat, Humayun sought refuge in various parts of his former
kingdom. He traveled to Agra and Lahore, hoping to regroup and find support
among the local nobility. However, his attempts to rally an army were largely
unsuccessful, as many of his former allies had either defected to Sher Shah or
were unwilling to risk their lives and fortunes in his cause.
One of Humayun’s great strengths, however, was his ability to foster loyalty
and maintain relationships even in adversity. Several of his close companions,
including the noble Bairam Khan, remained steadfast in their loyalty to the
deposed emperor.
Meeting
with the Sikh Guru – Guru Angad Sahib
One of the lesser-known but significant events during Humayun's exile is his
encounter with Guru Angad Sahib, the second Guru of the Sikhs. As per Sikh
traditions, when Humayun visited the Guru's residence seeking blessings, he was
initially made to wait, which Humayun took as a slight. In a moment of
frustration, Humayun allegedly drew his sword in the presence of the Guru, only
to be reproached by the Guru for his impatience. It is said that this meeting
profoundly affected Humayun, reminding him of the virtues of humility and
patience.
This episode highlights the complex interplay between the Mughal rulers and
the emerging Sikh community, which would become increasingly significant in the
subsequent centuries.
Withdrawing
Further: Retreat to Kabul
After several failed attempts to regain his throne, Humayun withdrew further
west, seeking safety and refuge in his ancestral lands of Kabul. His brothers,
particularly Kamran Mirza, who held control over Kabul and other parts of the
northwest, saw Humayun as a rival. Kamran had ambitions of his own and was
unwilling to fully support his brother’s cause.
Despite the internal family conflicts, Humayun managed to maintain a tenuous
hold in Kabul. However, his focus remained on returning to India and reclaiming
the empire that he had lost.
Refuge in
Persia: The Turning Point
Facing continued resistance from his brothers and lacking the resources to
launch a major campaign, Humayun made the bold decision to seek refuge in
Persia. In 1544, Humayun arrived at the court of the Safavid ruler, Shah
Tahmasp I, in Persia. This move was risky, as it required him to relinquish a
degree of autonomy in exchange for military support. However, Shah Tahmasp
welcomed Humayun with open arms, providing him with troops and financial
assistance.
In return, Humayun embraced the Shia faith—at least outwardly—thereby
aligning himself with the Safavids, who were staunch Shia Muslims. This
religious shift was more political than ideological, but it helped solidify his
alliance with the Persians.
Kandahar
and Onward: Reclaiming the Empire
Armed with Persian troops and resources, Humayun began his campaign to
retake his lost territories. His first major success was the capture of
Kandahar in 1545, followed by the recapture of Kabul from his brother Kamran.
These victories set the stage for Humayun’s return to India.
In 1555, Humayun crossed the Indus River and entered India with a
well-trained army. He faced little resistance, as the Suri dynasty had weakened
considerably following the death of Sher Shah in 1545. Humayun marched into
Delhi and reclaimed the Mughal throne, restoring the empire his father had
established.
The Mughal Empire's revival
A new era for the dynasty began in 1555 with Humayun's restoration of the
Mughal Empire. Even though Humayun's reign after regaining the throne was
brief, he was able to rebuild the empire's administrative structure and lay the
groundwork for his son Akbar's future achievements.
Bringing Persian administration and culture to the Mughal court was one of his main
innovations. He returned to India having been exposed to Persian art, poetry,
and government during his years of exile. The Mughal Empire was known for this
blending of Indian and Persian civilizations, particularly under Akbar's rule.
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Relationships of Marriage with the Khanzadas
Humayun's matrimonial consorts were crucial in solidifying his authority and guaranteeing allegiance. Hamida Banu Begum, a member of the Khanzada family, a Rajput tribe that had converted to Islam, was one of his most notable marriages. His connections with the Rajput nobles, many of whom had been hesitant to back the Mughals, were strengthened by this marriage.Later on, Hamida Banu Begum would give birth to Akbar, one of the most notable Mughal kings. Her support and influence were crucial to Humayun's eventual return to the throne after his years in exile.
Ruling
Kashmir: Expansion of the Empire
Humayun’s rule extended beyond the central Mughal heartland
of Delhi and Agra. After his return to power, he sought to expand his influence
into the northern regions of Kashmir. Though direct control over Kashmir was
not fully realized during his reign, Humayun laid the groundwork for future
Mughal conquests in the region, which would be completed during Akbar’s rule.
Sons and Daughters,
Families, and Partners
Family was a major source of turmoil as well as strength for Humayun throughout
his life. The biggest threat to his rule came from his brothers, especially
Kamran Mirza, who was always fighting for control of important areas like
Kabul. Because of his diplomatic style, Humayun was able to keep the Mughal
family somewhat united despite these conflicts.
Hamida Banu Begum was Humayun's most well-known consort, however he had other
spouses who had different positions in the Mughal court. The future of Indian
history would be shaped by his children, especially Akbar.
Character:
Dreamer Humayun
Humayun was frequently characterized as a visionary and intelligent guy who
lacked the practical abilities necessary for successful governance. He was
known more as a dreamer than a fighter because of his intense interest in
astrology, mysticism, and the arts. Nonetheless, it is impossible to ignore his
fortitude in the face of difficulty. Even after losing his empire, Humayun
persisted in his quest to bring back Mughal authority.
The Mughal court was profoundly influenced by his artistic and philosophical
tendencies, particularly in the areas of literature, architecture, and court
culture. His exposure to Persian customs also enhanced the empire's cultural
tapestry, helping to prepare the way for his successors' Mughal dynasty's
golden period of art and architecture.
Death and
Legacy: A Tumultuous End
Humayun’s life came to an abrupt end in 1556