Babur

Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. A descendant of Timur (on his father’s side) and Genghis Khan (on his mother’s side), he established Mughal rule after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE). His short reign laid the foundation for one of the most powerful empires in Indian history.

Background

Born in 1483 CE in Andijan (present-day Uzbekistan).
Took control of Fergana at a young age after his father’s death.
Initially focused on Central Asian conquests; captured Samarkand twice but lost it both times.
Moved towards India after losing stronghold in Central Asia.

Political Situation in India before Babur

Delhi Sultanate under Ibrahim Lodi was weak and unpopular.
Afghan nobles and Rajput confederacies were powerful but divided.
Opportunities for an outsider with superior military tactics.

Major Campaigns in India

1. First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE)

Opponents: Babur vs. Ibrahim Lodi.
Babur’s army: ~12,000; Ibrahim Lodi’s: ~1,00,000 with 1,000 war elephants.
Babur used Tulughma (division of army into left, right, centre, and reserve) and Ottoman-style artillery.
Result: Ibrahim Lodi killed; Delhi and Agra captured.

2. Battle of Khanwa (1527 CE)

Opponents: Babur vs. Rana Sanga of Mewar.
Cause: Rana Sanga wanted to expel Babur and claim Delhi.
Babur declared Jihad to motivate troops; used artillery and fortified positions.
Result: Decisive Mughal victory.

3. Battle of Chanderi (1528 CE)

Opponents: Babur vs. Medini Rai (ally of Rana Sanga).
Captured Chanderi fort.

4. Battle of Ghaghra (1529 CE)

Opponents: Babur vs. Afghan forces allied with Sultan of Bengal.
Secured eastern boundary of the Mughal Empire.

Administration & Policies

Retained many administrative practices from the Delhi Sultanate.
Distributed jagirs to nobles.
Introduced gunpowder warfare in India on a large scale.

Cultural Contributions

Wrote his autobiography Baburnama (in Chagatai Turkic).
Interest in gardens; introduced the concept of Charbagh (four-part garden).
Patronised Persian culture and art.

Death

Died in 1530 CE in Agra.
Succeeded by his son Humayun.

Bihar Relevance

Eastern campaigns against Afghan chiefs and Bengal sultans indirectly impacted Bihar.
Bihar was part of the territory secured after the Battle of Ghaghra.

Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)

Ongoing ASI restoration of early Mughal gardens.
Baburnama manuscripts displayed in international exhibitions.

PYQs (BPSC)

📝 PYQ (BPSC 2016): Who introduced gunpowder artillery in India? → Babur
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2014): Which battle laid the foundation of Mughal rule in India? → First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE)

Expected MCQs

📝 Who wrote Baburnama? → Babur
📝 Babur was a descendant of Timur and? → Genghis Khan
📝 Which battle was fought between Babur and Rana Sanga? → Battle of Khanwa

Quick Revision Points

Founder of Mughal Empire.
Battles: Panipat (1526), Khanwa (1527), Chanderi (1528), Ghaghra (1529).
Introduced large-scale use of artillery.
Autobiography: Baburnama.

One-Page Rapid Revision Summary

Babur (1526–1530 CE) ended the Delhi Sultanate by defeating Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat and established Mughal rule. His military innovations, including gunpowder artillery, gave him decisive victories at Khanwa, Chanderi, and Ghaghra. His short reign focused on securing territory and laying the foundations of Mughal administration and culture.