Babur’s Military Conquests
Some important military conquests of Babur are as follows:
Battle of Panipat
- Prior to his full-fledged invasion, Babur conducted four reconnaissance missions to India, gaining valuable knowledge of the land and its people. This paved the way for his grander ambitions, particularly after receiving invitations from two powerful figures: Maharana Sangram Singh of Mewar and Daulat Khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab, who both sought his aid in overthrowing the ruling Sultan Ibrahim Lodi.
- The Battle of Panipat was fought on April 21, 1526, on the plains of Panipat, north of Delhi. Despite facing an overwhelming force of approximately 100,000 soldiers under Ibrahim Lodi, Babur’s army, with only 12,000 actively engaged warriors, emerged victorious in the First Battle of Panipat.
- This remarkable feat stemmed from Babur’s strategic brilliance and innovative tactics. He skillfully employed the Rumi (Ottoman) strategy of war, then a revolutionary approach, and strategically deployed his limited forces. Notably, Babur’s effective use of cannons, a cutting-edge weapon in the 16th century, proved instrumental in securing his victory.
Battle of Khanwa
- Though initially inviting Babur to aid him against Ibrahim Lodi, Rana Sanga grew wary of Babur’s ambition to remain in India. Recognizing the potential threat, Rana Sanga formed a confederacy of Rajput princes, uniting them against the foreign invader.
- The year 1527 witnessed a clash of titans at the Battle of Khanwa near Fatehpur Sikri, where Babur and the formidable Rana Sanga, a legendary warrior who had lost an arm and an eye in battle, faced off. Despite commanding a larger army, Rana Sanga was ultimately defeated by Babur’s superior weaponry and tactical prowess. This victory, more significant than the Battle of Panipat, cemented the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India.
Battle of Chanderi
- By 1527, Babur had established a foothold in India, shifting his capital from Kabul to Delhi. Chanderi, strategically located on the border of Malwa and Bundelkhand, was a crucial political and economic hub ruled by Rajput king Medini Rai. Despite being Rana Sanga’s close ally and fighting alongside him at Khanwa, Medini Rai evaded capture and escaped Rana Sanga’s control.
- Seeking to expand his empire, Babur offered Medini Rai the Shamsabad fort in exchange for Chanderi. However, the offer was rejected. Determined to conquer the city, Babur engaged in the Battle of Chanderi on January 20, 1528, facing the Rajput forces. Medini Rai remained defiant, but ultimately, Chanderi fell to Babur on January 29, 1528.
Battle of Ghaghra
Following his victory over the Rajputs, Babur decisively defeated the Afghans at the Battle of Ghagra in 1529, solidifying his control over northern India. His vast empire encompassed Kabul, Agra, Awadh, Gwalior, Bihar, and portions of Rajasthan and Punjab. Choosing Delhi as his capital, Babur officially established the Mughal Empire in India.
Babur – Founder of Mughal Empire ( History, Early Life, & Achievements)
Babur Biography – The Founder of the Mughal Empire: Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire and father of the Mughal emperor Humayun, was born on February 14, 1483. Recognized as one of the important Mughal rulers, he achieved remarkable victories for solidifying the dynasty’s presence in Delhi, surpassing the unsuccessful attempts of various sultanates to establish a stable rule. Under his leadership, the Mughal Empire exerted its dominance over India for almost three centuries.
Read below this article to learn about Babur Biography – The Founder of the Mughal Empire, his reign, his military conquests, and his battle with Rana Sangha.
Table of Content
- Who were Mughals and Who was Babur?
- Overview on Babur
- Early Life of Babur – The Founder of the Mughal Empire
- Babur and the Mughal Empire
- Babur’s Military Conquests
- Rana Sangha and Babur
- Babur’s Succession and End of Life