BABUR

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, fought several important battles in India. These
battles include the First Battle of Panipat, the Battle of Khanwa, the Battle of Chanderi, and the
Battle of Ghagra.
Early life
 Babur lost his father at age 11 and became the ruler of Farghana, a small principality in
Central Asia.
 He conquered Samarkand at age 14.
 He was exiled to Afghanistan for three years and tried to regain his father's throne.
 In 1504, he marched into Afghanistan and conquered Kabul.
Important battles :
 First Battle of Panipat (1526): Babur defeated Sultan Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi
Sultanate. Babur's use of artillery and the Tulguma system of warfare gave him victory.
 Battle of Khanwa (1527): Babur defeated Rana Sangha of Mewar and other Rajput rulers.
 Battle of Chanderi (1528): Babur captured Chanderi from Rajput king Medini Rai.
 Battle of Ghagra (1529): Babur fought in this battle.
First Battle of Panipat (1526CE)
Babur won the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. This victory marked the beginning of the Mughal
Empire in India.
Battle details
 The battle took place on April 21, 1526 near the village of Panipat in Haryana, India.
 Babur was the Timurid ruler of Kabulistan.
 Ibrahim Lodi was the Sultan of Delhi.
Explanation
 Superior weapons
Babur's army had guns, which were unknown to the Indians. The sound of the cannons
frightened the Lodi elephants, causing them to trample their own men.
 Tactical skills
Babur used new strategies like the Tulghuma and the Araba. He divided his army into left,
right, and center, and used carts to trigger cannon fire.
 Well-trained army
Babur's army was better trained than the Sultan's army. His cavalry was also superior to the
Indian cavalry.
 Strategic placement of troops
Babur's strategic placement of troops helped him defeat a much larger force. He used a line of
700 wagons tied together with breastworks for his musketeers to fire from.
Result  The victory of the Mughal Empire
 End of Delhi Sultanate & Lodi dynasty
 Establishment of the Mughal Dynasty
Battle of Khanwa (1527CE)
 The battle was fought on March 16, 1527
 The battle took place in the village of Khanwa, in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan
 Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire
 Rana Sanga was the ruler of Mewar, a region in present-day Rajasthan
 The battle was part of Babur's campaign to establish his rule in India
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 Babur defeated Rana Sanga in the battle
 The battle was one of the first in Northern India to use gunpowder extensively.
 It was a battle in which the Mughal Emperor Babur defeated a confederacy of Rajputs and
Afghans headed by Rana Sanga of Mewar.
 Babur’s decision to stay in India provoked Rana Sanga’s hostility, and he began preparing
for a showdown with Babur. Rana Sanga had domination over Eastern Rajasthan, Malwa.
 Thus, Babur’s establishment of an empire in the Indo-Gangetic Valley was a threat to Rana
Sangha.
 Babur accused him of breaching the agreement. He says that Sanga had invited him to India
and promised to join him against Ibrahim Lodi but made no such move.
 It is not known what precise promises Rana Sanga had made. However, Babur’s decision to
stay in India completely changed the situation.
Battle of Chanderi (1528CE)
 After the battle of Khanwa, the power of the Rajputs was only crippled but not crushed.
 To further consolidate the gains and strengthen his position, Babur conquered a chain of
forts-Gwalior and Dholpur, towards the east of Agra.
 He also annexed a large part of Alwar from Hasan Khan Mewati. When Babur received
news that Rana Sanga had renewed war preparations to renew the conflict with him, he
decided to isolate Rana by inflicting a military defeat on one of his staunchest allies, Medini
Rai of Chanderi in Malwa.
 Chanderi was a stronghold of the Rajputs. The Rajputs decided to fight until the end, and it
was captured after the Rajput defenders had died fighting to the last man, and their women
burned themselves by performing Jauhar.
 After the battle of Chanderi, Babur’s authority was not challenged by the Rajputs.
Battle of Ghaghra (1529CE)
 It was fought between the forces of Babur, the Eastern Afghan Confederates under Sultan
Mahmud Lodi, and the Sultanate of Bengal under Sultan Nusrat Shah.
 Although the Afghans had been defeated, they needed to be reconciled to the Mughal Rule,
especially in Eastern UP.
 They had ousted the Mughal officials in Eastern UP and reached Kannauj. The Afghan
Sardars were backed by Nusrat Shah, the ruler of Bengal, who had married a daughter of
Ibrahim Lodi.
 However, they needed a popular leader. After some time, Mahmud Lodi, brother of Ibrahim
Lodi, who had fought against Babur at Khanwa, reached Bihar.
 The Afghans hailed him as their leader and mustered strong support under him.
 This was a threat Babur could not ignore. After crossing the Ganga near Banaras, he faced
the combined forces of the Afghans and Nusrat Shah of Bengal at the crossing of the
Ghaghra River.
 Although Babur crossed the river and compelled the combined forces of Bengal and Afghan
armies to retreat, he could not win a decisive victory. Being ill and anxious about the
situation in Central Asia, Babur decided to patch up an agreement with the Afghan Chiefs.
 He also patched up a treaty with Nusrat Shah of Bengal. The Battle of Ghaghra was
important because it finished the challenge of the last of the Lodis.

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 Humayun

Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, was the son of Babur

 Accession to the throne: After Babur's death in 1530, Humayun became the Mughal
Emperor.
 Early challenges: He faced conflicts with regional rulers like Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and
Afghan chiefs, often struggling to consolidate his power.
 Battle of Chausa and exile: In 1540, Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in the
Battle of Chausa (also known as Battle of Bilgram or Ganges), leading to his exile for around
15 years.
 Time in exile: During his exile, Humayun sought refuge in Persia and other regions,
eventually regaining support to reclaim his throne.
 Return to power: With Persian assistance, Humayun recaptured his kingdom in 1555.
 Death: Tragically, Humayun died shortly after regaining power due to a fall from the stairs of
his library in 1556.
 Legacy: Despite his turbulent reign, Humayun is remembered as the father of Akbar, the
great Mughal emperor who consolidated the empire.
 Humayun was born on March 6, 1508, in Kabul, Afghanistan.
 He became the second emperor of the Mughal Empire after his father, Babur, died in 1530.
 Humayun faced numerous challenges, including being defeated by Sher Shah Suri in 1540,
leading to his exile.
 He returned to power in 1555 with Persian support, restoring Mughal rule.
 Humayun died in 1556, and his tomb is a significant historical site.
 Humayun was the second Mughal emperor, known for his early life, challenges, exile, return
to power, and his legacy through his tomb.
 Humayun was the eldest son of Babur.
 Humayun means “fortune” but he remained the most unfortunate ruler of the Mughal Empire.
 Humayun had three brothers, Kamran, Askari and Hindal
 Humayun divided the empire among his brothers but this proved to be a great blunder on his
part.
 Kamran was given Kabul and Kandahar.
 Sambhal and Alwar were given to Askari and Hindal respectively.
 Humayun captured Gujarat from Bahadur Shah and appointed Askari as its governor
 But soon Bahadur Shah recovered Gujarat from Askari who fled from there.
 In the east, Sher Khan became powerful. Humayun marched against him and in the Battle of
Chausa, held in 1539, Sher Khan destroyed the Mughal army and Humayun escaped from
there.
 Humayun reached Agra to negotiate with his brothers.
 In 1540, in the Battle of Bilgram or Ganges also known as Battle of Kanauj, Humayun was
forced to fight with Sher Khan alone and after losing his kingdom, Humayun became an exile
for the next fifteen years.
 In 1952, during his wanderings in deserts of Sindh, Humayun married Hamida Banu
Begum, daughter of Sheikh Ali Amber Jaini, who had been a preceptor of Humayun’s
brother Hindal.
 On November 23, 1542, Humayun’s wife gave birth to Akbar.

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  Amarkot’s Hindu chief RanaPrasad promised Humayun to help him to conquer Thatta
 However, Humayun could not conquer Bhakker or secure Thus, he left India and lived
under the generosity of ShahTahmashp of Persia.
 Shah of Persia agreed to help Humayun and lend him a force of 14,000 men on a condition
to confirm to Shia creed, to have the Shah’s name proclaimed in his Khutba and to give
away Kandhar to him on his success.
 In 1545, with Persian help, Humayun captured Kandhar and Kabul but refused to
cede Kandhar to Persia.
 Humayun sought help from the Safavid ruler.
 Later, he defeated his brothers Kamran and Askari.
 In 1555, Humayun defeated the Afghans and recovered the Mughal throne.
 After six months, he died in 1556 due to his fall from the staircase of his library.
 Humayun was kind and generous, though he was not a good General and warrior.
 He also loved painting and wrote poetry in the Persian language.
The Battle of Chausa
The Battle of Chausa was a military conflict between Mughal emperor Humayun and Sher Shah
Suri, an Afghan. The battle took place on June 26, 1539 in Chausa, a village in modern-day Bihar,
India.
 Location: The battle took place on the banks of the Ganges river, at the border of Bihar and
Uttar Pradesh
 Duration: The two armies faced each other for three months, from April to June 1539
 Outcome: Sher Shah Suri won the battle, and Humayun escaped by swimming across the
Ganges
 Aftermath: Sher Shah proclaimed himself emperor and took the name Sher Shah
BATTLE DETAILS :
 Humayun traveled to Chausa through the Grand Trunk Road
 Sher Shah provoked Humayun to cross the Ganges
 Sher Shah waited for the rains to cause problems for the Mughal army
 Sher Shah launched a three-pronged attack on the Mughals in the early hours of June 26
 The Mughal army was wiped out, and many soldiers drowned in the Ganges
 Humayun escaped using a water carrier
The Battle of Kannauj
The Battle of Kannauj was a major defeat for Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, at the hands
of Sher Shah Suri in 1540. The battle took place in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India.
 Battle of Chausa: Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in the Battle of Chausa in 1539.
 Battle of Kannauj: Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in the Battle of Kannauj on May 17,
1540.
 Humayun's exile: Humayun was forced to leave India and live in exile after the battle.
 Sher Shah's rise to power: Sher Shah became the ruler of Delhi and Agra, ending the
Mughal Empire's dominance.
 Humayun's son, Akbar: Humayun's son, Akbar, was born in Amarkot, Sind, in 1542 during
his exile.
 Humayun's return: Humayun regained control of Kabul and Kandahar with the help of the
Persian emperor.
 Political landscape: The battle of Kannauj marked a major shift in the political landscape of
the subcontinent.
Humayun Exile and Death
After his defeat at Kannauj in 1540, Humayun fled India, becoming a nomad. He sought refuge in
Sindh and later in Iran. Shah Tahmasp of Iran provided military aid, allowing Humayun to conquer
Kandahar in 1545 and reclaim Kabul from his brother Kamran by 1550. Taking advantage of
conflicts among Sher Shah’s successors, Humayun captured Lahore in 1555 and, after defeating

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Sikandar Suri at Sirhind, regained Delhi and Agra. Six months later, he died in 1556 after a fall.
Humayun was a kind, generous ruler and a student of mathematics, astronomy, and astrology, with
a passion for painting and Persian poetry.

SHER SHAH SURI

Sher Shah Suri's central administration system was highly centralized, dividing his empire into 47
administrative divisions called "Sarkars," which were further subdivided into smaller units called
"Parganas," and was managed through four key departments: Diwan-i-Wizarat (Finance), Diwan-i-
Ariz (Military), Diwan-i-Insha (Royal Secretariat), and Diwan-i-Risalat (Foreign Affairs).
 Sher Shah Suri's administration model later influenced the Mughal emperors, particularly
Akbar, who adopted many of his administrative reforms.
 His focus on infrastructure development significantly improved trade and communication
within the empire.
Sher Shah Suri's Central Administration :
 Division of Territory:
The empire was divided into "Sarkars" and "Parganas" with each unit having designated
officials to manage revenue collection and administration.
 Central Departments:
 Diwan-i-Wizarat: Responsible for managing finances and revenue collection.
 Diwan-i-Ariz: Oversaw military affairs
 Diwan-i-Insha: Managed the royal secretariat and communications
 Diwan-i-Risalat: Handled foreign affairs and religious matters
 Land Revenue System:
Sher Shah implemented a standardized land measurement system to accurately calculate land
revenue, providing protection to peasants and promoting agricultural productivity.
 Military Reforms:
He maintained a strong military with a system of branding horses ("Dagh") and keeping
detailed soldier records ("Chehra").
 Infrastructure Development:
Famous for building the Grand Trunk Road, improving communication and trade across the
empire.
 Currency:
Standardized the currency system by introducing the 'rupee' which later became a prominent
currency in the region.
 Check and Balance System:
Introduced a 'dyarchy' system in administration where two officials were appointed to manage
different aspects of governance (like revenue and military), acting as a check on each other to
prevent corruption.
Sher Shah Suri's Revenue System
 Land Survey:
A detailed survey of all cultivable land was conducted to accurately assess its productivity.
 Land Classification:

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 Lands were categorized into three classes based on fertility: good, average, and poor.
 Revenue Rate:
The state took a fixed one-third share of the average produce as land revenue.
 Payment Options:
Peasants could pay their land tax in either cash or kind (crops) depending on their preference.
 Patta and Qabuliat:
To ensure transparency, farmers received "patta" (land title deeds) and signed "qubuiliat"
(agreements) outlining their revenue obligations.
 Land Measurement:
A detailed survey of all agricultural land was conducted to accurately assess its productivity.
 Land Classification:
Land was categorized based on its quality, usually into "good," "average," and "poor"
categories.
 Revenue Rate:
The state took a fixed share of one-third of the average produce from each land category.
 Payment Options:
Farmers could pay their land revenue in either cash or kind (crops) depending on the harvest.
 Land Records:
"Patta" (land ownership document) and "Qabuliyat" (agreement to pay revenue) were issued to
landowners to maintain proper records.
Importance Of Sher Shah Suri's Revenue System:
 Improved Peasant Welfare:
By fixing a fair revenue rate, Sher Shah aimed to improve the lives of farmers and encourage
agricultural production.
 Stable Revenue Collection:
The systematic land survey and clear revenue structure ensured a steady flow of income for
the state.
 Foundation for Mughal System:
Many aspects of Sher Shah's revenue system were later adopted and refined by the Mughal
emperor Akbar.
Sher Shah Suri's Provincial Administration:
 Division into Sarkars:
The empire was divided into several "sarkars" (provinces) with clear boundaries.
 Subahdar as Governor:
Each sarkar was governed by a "subahdar" who held significant power within their province.
 Revenue Collection:
The primary responsibility of the subahdar was to collect land revenue efficiently through a
well-organized system.
 Military Oversight:
Subahdars also commanded the military forces within their respective provinces, ensuring
security and defense.
 Administrative Hierarchy:
A network of lower-level officials under the subahdar managed day-to-day administration within
the sarkar.
Important aspects of Sher Shah Suri's administration:
 Land Revenue Reforms:
He implemented a thorough land survey system to accurately assess land productivity and
collect a fixed proportion of the produce as revenue.
 The "Kankut" System:
This system involved dividing land into different categories based on fertility, facilitating fair tax
collection.
 Infrastructure Development:

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 Sher Shah is renowned for building the Grand Trunk Road, a major trade route connecting
different parts of his empire.

 Monetary System:
He standardized the currency by introducing the "rupee".
Sher Shah Suri's Communication System:
 Extensive Road Network:
He built major roads connecting important cities across his empire, most notably the Grand
Trunk Road which stretched from Sonargaon (Bangladesh) to Peshawar (Pakistan).
 Rest Houses and Wells:
Along these roads, Sher Shah constructed rest houses (sarais) and wells to provide comfort
and necessary amenities to travelers.
 Postal Service:
A well-organized postal system was established with designated post houses and horsemen to
deliver royal mail efficiently.
 Importance of Communication:
This improved communication system facilitated trade, quick troop movement, and efficient
administration across his kingdom.

AKBAR (1542 – 1605)

Akbar (Abu'l-Fath Jalal ud-din Muhammad Akbar, 14 October 1542 – 1605) was the 3rd
Mughal Emperor. He was born in Umarkot,(now Pakistan). He was the son of 2nd Mughal Emperor
Humayun. Akbarbecame the king in 1556 at the age of 13 when his father died.
Akbar is primarily known as the third Mughal Emperor who ruled from 1556 to 1605,
becoming emperor at a young age of 13, and is considered one of the greatest Mughal rulers due
to his extensive territorial expansion, administrative reforms, and policy of religious tolerance,
including the establishment of the "Ibadat Khana" for religious discussions. He is considered as the
real founder of the Mughal Empire. Among the medieval rulers, he was the only one who strived for
secularism. The firmness and wisdom of his rule won him the title 'Guardian of Mankind'.
 Ruler:
Akbar was the third Mughal emperor, ruling from 1556 to 1605.
 Ruler: Akbar was the third Mughal emperor, ruling from 1556 to 1605.
 Territorial Expansion: He significantly expanded the Mughal empire by conquering regions
like Gujarat, Bengal, and Bihar.
 Administrative System:
o Divided the empire into provinces called 'subas'.
o Each suba was governed by a Subedar.
o Introduced a new land revenue system for efficient tax collection.
 Religious Tolerance:
o Abolished the Jizya tax levied on non-Muslims.

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 o Initiated the practice of "Sulh-i-kul" (universal peace) by engaging in religious debates
with scholars from different faiths at the Ibadat Khana.
 Notable aspects of Akbar's court:
o "Navratnas" - a group of nine brilliant scholars and advisors who were considered the
gems of his court.
o Patronage of arts and literature.
 Important buildings associated with Akbar:
o Fatehpur Sikri - a city built by Akbar, featuring the Buland Darwaza.
 Accession to the throne:
Became emperor at a young age after the death of his father, Humayun, following the
Second Battle of Panipat where he defeated Hemu with the help of his regent Bairam
Khan.
 Military campaigns:
Successfully expanded the Mughal empire by conquering kingdoms like Malwa, Gujarat,
Bengal, and parts of the Deccan plateau.
 Administrative reforms:
Introduced a new land revenue system called "Zabt" with the help of his finance minister
Raja Todar Mal, which was based on a detailed survey of crop yields.
 Religious tolerance:
Promoted a policy of religious tolerance, abolishing the Jizya tax on non-Muslims and
establishing the "Ibadat Khana" where scholars of different religions could debate and
discuss their beliefs.
 Notable advisors:
Akbar was known for his "Navratnas" (Nine Gems), a group of brilliant advisors including
Birbal, Abul Fazl, and Raja Man Singh.
 Important events:
 Capture of Chittor and Ranthambore
 Campaigns in Gujarat and Bengal
 Annexation of Kashmir and Qandahar
 Accession and Early Reign:
Became emperor at a young age, consolidated power with the help of his mentor Bairam
Khan, and successfully defeated rivals to expand the Mughal empire.
 Administrative Reforms:
 Division of the empire into Subas: Implemented a system of provinces governed
by Subedars.
 Land Revenue System: Introduced a new and fairer land revenue system called
the "Zabt".
 Centralized Administration: Concentrated power in the hands of the emperor.
 Religious Tolerance:
 Abolished Jizya tax: Tax levied on non-Muslims was removed
 Dialogue with Scholars: Encouraged discussions with religious leaders of different
faiths
 Din-i-Ilahi: Established a new religion incorporating principles from various faiths,
though not widely adopted
 Notable Achievements:
 Conquest of Gujarat: Successfully annexed the wealthy Gujarat region
 Military Campaigns: Expanded the empire by conquering territories in Bengal,
Bihar, and other areas
 Patronage of Arts: Fostered a flourishing artistic and intellectual environment
 Navratnas:
A group of brilliant advisors and scholars including Abul Fazl, Tansen, Birbal, and Todar
Mal who played important roles in Akbar's administration.

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 Akbar's policies:
 Religious Tolerance:
 "Sulh-i-Kul" policy: Promoted peace and harmony between different religious
communities.
 Abolished Jizya tax imposed on non-Muslims.
 Encouraged dialogue between scholars of various faiths.
 Established "Din-i-Ilahi," a new religion incorporating elements from different faiths
(although not widely adopted).
 Administrative Reforms:
 Centralized government structure with power concentrated in the emperor.
 Mansabdari system: A ranking system for military officers based on their skills and
loyalty, managing both civil and military administration.
 Revenue reforms under Raja Todar Mal: Introduced the "Zabt" system, standardizing
land revenue collection based on land productivity.
 Rajput Policy:
 Strategic marriages with Rajput rulers to secure alliances and integrate them into the
Mughal administration.
 Offered high positions in the court to Rajput nobles.

Akbar’s Navratnas and their Brief Details

Abul Fazl Akbar’s Chief Advisor And Author Of Akbar Nama; Grand Vizier
Or Prime Minister Of Akbar
Faizi Akbar’s Poet Laureate; Education Minister Of Akbar And Mentor
Of Shahzadas
Tansen A Hindu Singer Who Converted To Islam; Culture Minister And
Singer Of Akbar
Birbal A Noble Known For His Wittiness; Foreign Minister Of Akbar
Todar Mal Akbar’s Finance Minister
Raja Man Singh Chief Of Staff Of Akbar’s Mughal Army; Trusted General Of Akbar
Abdul Rahim Khan-I- Defence Minister Of Akbar; A Noble And A Renowned Poet
Khana
Fakir Aziao-Din Religious Minister Of Akbar
Mullah Do Piaza Home Minister Of Akbar
The Second Battle of Panipat (1556)
The Second Battle of Panipat was fought on November 5, 1556, between the Mughal emperor
Akbar and the Hindu emperor Hemu. The battle took place near the site of the First Battle of
Panipat, which was fought in 1526.
 The battle was a fierce and bloody conflict with heavy casualties on both sides.
 Hemu's army was larger than Akbar's, but Hemu was wounded by an arrow and fell
unconscious.
 Hemu's army panicked and fled after their leader was wounded.
 Hemu was captured and beheaded by Bairam Khan.
 The battle was a decisive victory for the Mughals.
 The battle re-established Mughal rule in India and established Akbar's rule.
Additional details :
 Hemu was the king of Delhi. He had conquered Delhi and Agra a few weeks before the
battle.
 Hemu was commanding his forces from an elephant.
 Bairam Khan was Akbar's guardian.
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  The battle was fought in Panipat, an important area for military, political, and economic
reasons.
Difference Between First And Second Battle Of Panipat
The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 established the Mughal Empire, while the Second Battle
of Panipat in 1556 consolidated Mughal power. The two battles were fought in the city of Panipat in
Haryana, India.
The First Battle of Panipat
 When: April 21, 1526
 Who fought: Babur, the Mughal emperor, against Ibrahim Lodi, the Delhi Sultanate's ruler
 What happened: Babur's victory established the Mughal Empire and introduced new
warfare tactics
The Second Battle of Panipat
 When: November 5, 1556
 Who fought: Akbar, the Mughal emperor, against Hemu, the ruler of Delhi and Agra
 What happened: Akbar's victory consolidated Mughal power and solidified his position as
emperor
Rana Pratap Singh
Rana Pratap's defiance against Mughal Emperor Akbar, the Battle of Haldighati where
Pratap fought bravely despite being outnumbered, his continued resistance in the hilly terrains of
Mewar even after the battle, and the fact that he never submitted to Mughal rule despite facing
significant losses; highlighting his status as a symbol of resistance against the Mughal empire.
Important details:
 Rana Pratap and Mewar:
Rana Pratap was the ruler of Mewar, a Rajput kingdom in Rajasthan, and he fiercely resisted
Mughal attempts to conquer his territory.
 Akbar's Expansionist Policy:
Mughal Emperor Akbar aimed to expand his empire and sought to bring the Rajput kingdoms
under his control.
 Battle of Haldighati (1576):
The most significant battle between Rana Pratap and the Mughals, led by Mughal general Man
Singh, took place at Haldighati. Though heavily outnumbered, Rana Pratap fought valiantly but
was ultimately defeated and forced to retreat to the hills.
 Continued Resistance:
Despite losing the battle, Rana Pratap never submitted to Akbar and continued to wage
guerilla warfare against the Mughal forces, harassing their supply lines and raiding their
territories.
 Impact of Rana Pratap's Struggle:
His unwavering resistance against a powerful empire cemented his legacy as a symbol of valor
and independence in the Rajput community.

Akbar
Akbar reign as the third Mughal emperor, significant territorial expansion through conquests
like Gujarat and Bengal, implementation of a centralized administrative system with provinces
called 'subas' governed by Subedars, introduction of a new land revenue system, notable religious
tolerance policies including the abolition of Jizya tax, and the gathering of learned scholars at the
Ibadat Khana to discuss religious ideas, all contributing to his title as "Akbar the Great";.
Important details about Akbar's reign:

QUESTIONS ANSWERS
Q1. What was Humayun famous for?

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Ans. Humayun is famous as the second Mughal emperor, who initially lost and later restored the
Mughal Empire in India. In 1555, Humayun defeated the Afghans and recovered the Mughal
throne.
Q2. Who defeated Humayun in India?
Ans. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in the battles of Chausa (1539) and Kanauj (1540).
Q3. Did Humayun leave India?
Ans. Yes, Humayun left India after his defeat by Sher Shah Suri and spent about 15 years in exile.
Q4. Why was Humayun exiled?
Ans. Humayun was exiled after losing his empire to Sher Shah Suri in battles of Chausa and
Kanauj, forcing him to seek refuge in Persia.
Q5. How did Humayun lost his empire?
Ans. Humayun lost his empire due to defeats by Sher Shah Suri, which led to his temporary exile
and the loss of control over his territories.
Sher Shah Suri was the founder of Sur dynasty in India. His original name was Farid and he was
the son of a jagirdar He joined the service Babur and later Bahar Bihar. Once he killed a tiger the
title of Sher Khan. He fought many battles with Humayun and finally got the throne of Delhi in 1540.
He continued to expand his empire which extended from Indus in the east to Bengal in the west.

He was a brave soldier and a military genius and was an extremely able administrator. He was well
educated and had mastered many languages. He evolved a system of administration which
remained substantially unchanged till the advent of the British in India. He introduced a tax
collection system, built roads along with resting areas for travellers, dug wells, made hospitals, free
kitchens, organized mail services and the police. He is believed to be the first one to introduce
"Rupaiya" and "Paisa" in place of "Tanka"

Q. Differentiate between the First and Second Battle of Panipat.

Ans. Akbar conquered Malwa, Gondwana and Chunargarh. He then turned his attention to
Rajasthan and captured Chittor. Maharana Pratap refused to accept Akbar's suzerainty. The huge
Mughal army confronted Maharana Pratap in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. After a fierce battle,
Akbar defeated Maharana Pratap. Akbar also conquered Gujarat followed by Surat. Gujarat was
important for him since it was the gateway for western trade. With these conquests, his empire
extended to the western coasts. Next he annexed Bengal, Bihar, Sindh, Baluchistan and Orissa.
Now Akbar wanted to extend his empire to the south. He captured Ahmednagar, Khandesh, Berar
and Daulatabad. The vast Mughal Empire now7 extended from Kabul in the west to Bengal in the
east and from Kashmir in the north to Ahmednagar in the south.
Akbar was illiterate yet he had great love for learning. He surrounded himself with scholars
And had in his court the famous 'nine gems7 who were famous personalities from different fields.
He implemented many social reforms, banned slavery and was tolerant to all religions. He died in
1605 and his body was buried at Sikandra.

Q. Who was Babur?

Ans. Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. Born in 1483, he was a descendant of
Timur and Genghis Khan and established his rule after defeating the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodi,
at the Battle of Panipat in 1526.
Q. How did Babur die?
Ans. Babur died in 1530 in Agra due to illness. His remains were later moved to a garden in Kabul,
which he had chosen as his burial place.
Q. Who invited Babur to India?
Babur was invited to India by Daulat Khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab, and Rana Sanga of
Mewar. They sought his help in overthrowing Sultan Ibrahim Lodi’s rule.
Q. Who succeeded Babur?

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Ans. Babur was succeeded by his son Humayun, who became the next emperor of the Mughal
Empire in 1530.

Fill in the blanks:

(a) The capital of Mirza Hakim, Akbar’s half-brother, was ____________.
(b) The five Deccan Sultanates were Berar, Khandesh, Ahmadnagar,
__________ and ____________.
(c) If zat determined a mansabdar’s rank and salary, sawar indicated his
____________ .
(d) Abul Fazl, Akbar’s friend and counsellor, helped him frame the idea of
____________ so that he could govern a society composed of many religions,
cultures and castes.

Answer

(a) The capital of Mirza Hakim, Akbar's half-brother, was Kabul.

(b) The five Deccan Sultanates were Berar, Khandesh,

Ahmadnagar, Bijapur and Golconda.

(c) If zat determined a mansabdar's rank and salary, sawar indicated

his number of cavalrymen.

(d) Abul Fazl, Akbar's friend and counselor, helped him frame the idea
of sulh-i kul so that he could govern a society composed of many religions,
cultures and castes.

3. What were the central provinces under the control of the Mughals?

Answer

The central provinces under the control of the Mughals were:

(i) Lahore
(ii) Panipat
(iii) Delhi
(iv) Mathura
(v) Agra
(vi) Ajmer
(vii) Marwar
(viii) Mewar
(ix) Deccan
(x) Chittor

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About Babur (1483-1530)
 Babur was a descendant of the Mongol Emperor Genghis Khan and Timur and, thus, a
Timurid Prince.
 At the young age of 12, he ascended to the throne of Ferghana, a small state in Trans-
Oxiana.
 To expand his kingdom, he made several attempts to acquire Samarqand from his uncle,
who had extraordinary prestige in the Islamic World.
 However, this infighting among the Timurid Princes ultimately led to the Uzbek Chief,
Shaibani Khan, overrunning their kingdoms.
 This forced Babur to move towards Kabul, which he conquered in 1504. When the Herat
Khan was also over run by Shaibani province, it led to a direct conflict between the Uzbeks
and the Safavids, as both coveted the Khorasan area (Herat and the surrounding area).
 In a famous battle in 1510, Shah Ismail, the Shah of Iran, defeated and killed Shaibani Khan.
This enabled Babur to become ruler of Samarqand with Iranian help.
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 However, soon after their defeat, the Uzbeks recovered and retook Samarqand, forcing
Babur to return to Kabul.
 Finally, Shah Ismail was defeated by the Ottoman Sultan in 1514, thus leaving the Uzbeks
as the masters of Trans-Oxiana. These developments forced Babur to look towards India.
 Mughal empire Babur, founder of Mughal Empire, India’s largest dynasty, was born on
February 14, 1483.
 He is regarded as one of the greatest Mughal rulers.
 He succeeded in consolidating the dynasty’s position in Delhi after a series of sultanates
failed to consolidate their seats.
 Babur is renowned for his autobiography, the "Baburnama," which provides insights into his
life, conquests, and the cultural landscape of his time.
 His reign laid the foundation for the Mughal Empire's subsequent expansion and cultural
flourishing in the Indian subcontinent.
 Babur's legacy endures as a pivotal figure in South Asian history, marking the genesis of one
of the most influential dynasties in the region.
 His empire went on to dominate India for nearly 300 years. He died on December 26th,
1530.
 Early Life of Babur
 Zahir-ud-din Muhammad, known as “Babur” or “Lion,” was born on February 14, 1483, into
the Timurid royal dynasty in Andijan, now in Uzbekistan.
 Babur’s father, Umar Sheikh Mirza, was the Emir of Ferghana, and his mother, Qutlaq Nigar
Khanum, was the daughter of Moghuli King Yunus Khan.
 The last Mongol forebears intermarried with Turkic and Persian people and became
assimilated into local culture by the time Babur was born. They had converted to Islam after
being greatly influenced by Persia. The majority favoured the mystic Sufi-infused style of
Sunni Islam.
 In 1494, the Emir of Ferghana died unexpectedly, and 11-year-old Babur ascended to the
throne. His monarchy, however, was in jeopardy, with several uncles and relatives plotting to
topple him.
 The young emir went out to get more possessions, obviously realising that a strong offence
is the best defence.
 By 1497, he had conquered the legendary Silk Road oasis city of Samarkand. During his
absence, his uncles and other lords of Andijan rose in revolt.
 Early Loss and Gains: Babur's father's demise in 1494 CE made him the ruler of a small
principality, Farghana, at the age of 11. He conquered Samarkand at 14 but subsequently
lost both Farghana and Samarkand.

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