Humayun (1530–1540 CE & 1555–1556 CE)

2. Humayun (1530–1540 CE & 1555–1556 CE)

Humayun, the son of Babur, was the second Mughal Emperor. His reign was marked by early challenges, loss of the empire to Sher Shah Suri, and eventual restoration before his untimely death. Despite his setbacks, he played a critical role in preserving the Mughal legacy during a turbulent period.

Early Life & Accession

Born in 1508 CE.
Educated in Persian literature, mathematics, and astrology.
Ascended the throne in 1530 CE after Babur’s death.

Challenges at the Beginning of Reign

Weak financial position due to Babur’s continuous campaigns.
Discontent among nobles.
Afghan chiefs and Rajput rulers seeking independence.
Brothers (Kamran, Hindal, Askari) had semi-independent territories, causing internal rivalry.

First Phase of Reign (1530–1540 CE)

1. Conflict with Afghan Rulers

Battle of Kalinjar (1531 CE): Against the Bundela ruler; resulted in peace.
Campaign against Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (1535 CE): Initial success but no lasting control.

2. Rise of Sher Shah Suri

Afghan leader in Bihar and Bengal; consolidated power.
Battle of Chausa (1539 CE): Humayun defeated; escaped with difficulty.
Battle of Kannauj (1540 CE): Decisive defeat; lost the Mughal throne.

Exile Period (1540–1555 CE)

Took refuge in Sindh, Rajasthan, and later in Persia.
Received military assistance from the Safavid ruler, Shah Tahmasp.
Married Hamida Banu Begum during this period (mother of Akbar).

Second Phase of Reign (1555–1556 CE)

Took advantage of Sur Empire’s decline after Islam Shah Suri’s death.
Defeated Afghan forces at Sirhind (1555 CE).
Restored Mughal rule over Delhi and Agra.
Died in January 1556 CE after falling from the staircase of his library in Delhi.

Administration & Policies

Less centralised control than Babur.
Depended on nobles and relatives, leading to fragmentation.
Focused more on survival and restoration than long-term reforms.

Cultural Contributions

Founded the city of Dinpanah (Delhi).
Patronised Persian culture, poetry, and art.
Brought Persian influences into Mughal court culture due to exile in Persia.

Bihar Relevance

Sher Shah Suri, Humayun’s main rival, was from Sasaram, Bihar.
The battles at Chausa and other eastern campaigns were directly connected to Bihar’s political history.

Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)

Ongoing restoration of Purana Qila (Dinpanah) in Delhi, associated with Humayun.
Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to be a major tourist and academic focus.

PYQs (BPSC)

📝 PYQ (BPSC 2016): Where did Humayun die? → Delhi
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2014): Who defeated Humayun at Chausa? → Sher Shah Suri

Expected MCQs

📝 Which battle marked Humayun’s final loss of the throne to Sher Shah Suri? → Battle of Kannauj (1540 CE)
📝 Who provided Humayun refuge during exile? → Shah Tahmasp of Persia
📝 Who was Humayun’s son and successor? → Akbar

Quick Revision Points

Reigned twice: 1530–1540 CE and 1555–1556 CE.
Lost empire to Sher Shah Suri; regained it shortly before death.
Important battles: Chausa (1539), Kannauj (1540), Sirhind (1555).
Associated with Dinpanah and Persian cultural influence.

One-Page Rapid Revision Summary

Humayun faced immediate challenges after Babur’s death, losing the empire to Sher Shah Suri after defeats at Chausa and Kannauj. His 15-year exile in Persia shaped Mughal court culture. He restored the empire in 1555 CE but died suddenly in 1556 CE, paving the way for Akbar’s reign. Bihar played a central role in his story due to Sher Shah’s origin and key battles fought in the region.