Chapter # 2 – Nationalism in the Subcontinent
2.1 Rise and Fall of Mughal Empire
2.1.1 Discuss the Beginning of Mughal Rule in India.
The Mughal Empire began in India in 1526 when Babur, a powerful ruler from Central Asia, invaded and conquered parts of northern India. Babur was a descendant of two great conquerors, Genghis Khan and Timur, and he inherited a strong military tradition.
Babur’s conquest of India started with the Battle of Panipat in 1526, where he defeated the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodi, who ruled over a vast part of northern India. Babur’s victory marked the beginning of Mughal rule in the Indian subcontinent.
Babur was not only a skilled military leader but also a talented poet and writer. He wrote a famous autobiography called the “Baburnama,” where he documented his conquests and experiences in India.
After Babur’s death in 1530, his son Humayun succeeded him as the second Mughal emperor. However, Humayun faced challenges from Afghan rulers and was temporarily ousted from power. During this time, the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri briefly took control of Delhi and established the Sur Empire.
Humayun later regained power with the help of Persian allies and reclaimed Delhi in 1555. Unfortunately, Humayun’s reign was short-lived as he died shortly after his victory, and his young son Akbar ascended to the throne.
Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal emperors, continued the expansion and consolidation of the empire. Under his rule, the Mughal Empire reached its peak, known for its cultural achievements, religious tolerance, and administrative reforms.
The beginning of Mughal rule in India marked a significant chapter in Indian history, blending Central Asian traditions with Indian customs and establishing a powerful and enduring empire that left a lasting impact on the region’s culture, art, and architecture.