Sat 09 November 2019:
Babur, the founder of the largest dynasty India has ever seen– the Mughals, was born on February 14, 1483 . Considered as one of the finest Mughal emperors, Babur succeeded in securing the dynasty’s position in Delhi after a series of sultanates failed to consolidate their seats and his empire went on to rule for over 300 years in India. He passed away on December 26 in 1530. He was 48.
We bring to you 10 facts about the Mughal emperor Babur:
1. His actual name was Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur. His name is derived from the Persian word ‘Babr’, which means Tiger.
2. He was the eldest son of Umar Sheikh Mirza, a direct descendant of Turk-Mongol conqueror Timur, also known as Tamurlane. His mother was a direct descendant of Asia’s conqueror Genghis Khan.
3. He ascended the throne of Fergana (now in Uzbekistan) in 1495, at the age of 12. In 1504, he conquered Kabul, which was an important citadel in Central Asia.
4. Babur was invited by Daulat Khan Lodi, a rebel of the Lodi dynasty, in 1524, to invade North India and fight the dynasty and their enemies in Rajputana. Rajputana was ruled by a Hindu Rajput confederacy, led by Mewar king Rana Sanga.
5. In 1526, Babur won the Battle of Panipat against Ibrahim Lodi, the Lodi king. He captured Delhi and founded the greatest dynasty of North India — the Mughal Empire.
6. He also defeated Rana Sanga, in the Battle of Khanwa. Rajputana became a subjugated ally of the Mughals since then.
7. There is confusion about Babur’s ethnicity. Being a descendant of Timur, he considered himself as a Timurid of Turk. However, Uzbek history suggests that Babur was an ethnic Uzbek.
8. Babur claimed to be very strong and physically fit. He also claimed to have swum across every major river he encountered, including twice across the Ganges River. “I swam across the river Ganges for amusement. I counted my strokes, and found that I swam over in thirty-three strokes. I then took breath, and swam back to the other. side. I had crossed by swimming every river I had met, except only the Ganges,” he noted, according to Medieval India from the Mohammedan Conquest to the Reign of Akbar the Great, written by Stanley Lane-Poole .
9. Babur was well-known for his oratory and literary skills.
10. Till date, he is considered a national hero in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. He wrote his autobiography, Baburnama, in Chaghatai Turkic. It was translated to Persian during the reign of his grandson Akbar.
Medieval India Babur’s message of peace
Babur loved his family members and took great care of their wellbeing. After the conquest of India, he sent gifts and cash to every member of his family. When the women of his family arrived from Kabul, he provided them with appropriate residences and allowances. He made a routine to visit his family members regularly and spend time with them. He loved his children and made efforts for their good education.
As a responsible father, Babur pointed out language mistakes in a letter written by his son Humayun and severely reprimanded him on his carelessness and laziness. When Humayun became seriously ill, Babur got worried about his health. Gulbadan Begam, Babur’s daughter, writes in her book Ahwal-e-Humayun Badshah that during his son’s illness, Babur prayed to God to take his life for the recovery of his son.
According to Gulbadan, after Babur prayed to God, Humayun recovered and Babur became ill which subsequently led to his death. Before his death, he called Humayun and advised him to treat his brothers, family members, nobles and other people affectionately.
At the time of death, Babur was 48 years old. He spent most of his life struggling to secure power. He failed to acquire his ancestral kingdom in Central Asia but succeeded to establish his dynasty in India. He was friendly towards the nobles and was a good ruler and kind human being. He was also an excellent poet and writer.
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Babur’s testament
After the conquest of India, Babur fully realised that in order to rule India — a land of Hindu majority — rulers must adopt the policy of tolerance and respect towards all religions. He left his testament to Humayun, a remarkable historical document which proves Babur’s sagacity and wisdom as a ruler.
The testament provided guidance to the Mughal rulers on how to rule India. Later on the Mughal emperors followed it earnestly. They Indianised themselves by adopting Indian customs and traditions and were loved by both Hindus and Muslims. While handing over his testament to Humayun, Babur made him realise the importance of being the ruler of India where followers of different religions lived. He advised him to fulfil this responsibility with great care and sensitivity. He recommended that Humayun focus on the following matters:
1. Respect all religions without any prejudice and never hurt anyone’s sentiments related to his/her religion, tradition and culture.
2. In order to respect Hindus, never slaughter a cow as it is considered a sacred animal by Hindus. This practice will create goodwill among people.
3. Never demolish any worship house belonging to any religion. Follow a policy of justice and tolerance. Treat your people with kindness and without discrimination.
4. Nobody should be forced to convert to Islam. Preaching should be by peaceful means.
5. Avoid Shia and Sunni conflicts. It would make Islam weak and vulnerable.
6. Understand the different qualities that your people belonging to different religions possess and give importance to all communities.
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