Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, is known for his troubled reign and struggles to maintain control over his empire. Born on March 6, 1508, in Kabul, he was the son of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. Humayun ascended the throne on December 26, 1530, at the age of 22. His rule was marked by internal family conflicts, external threats, and significant challenges, making him one of the weaker emperors in Mughal history.
EARLY CHALLENGES AND STRUGGLES
• Humayun faced immediate challenges from his half-brother, Kamran Mirza, who controlled Kabul and Kandahar, leading to power struggles within the family.
• He also faced threats from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and Sher Shah Suri, which destabilized his rule. Despite initial successes, such as capturing Gujarat in 1535, he struggled to consolidate power.
DEFEAT AND EXILE
• One of the most significant setbacks was Humayun’s defeat by Sher Shah Suri at the Battle of Chausa in 1539 and the Battle of Kannauj in 1540, forcing him to flee India.
• Humayun spent several years in exile, facing hardships and seeking support from various rulers. In 1544, he gained military assistance from Shah Tahmasp I of Persia, which was crucial for his return to power.
RETURN TO POWER AND LEGACY
• With Persian support, Humayun reclaimed Kandahar and Kabul in 1545 and regained control of Delhi and Agra by 1555, defeating the Afghan ruler Sikandar Suri.
• His return brought Persian cultural influences to the Mughal court. However, his second reign was brief, ending with his death on January 27, 1556, after a fall in his library.
Humayun’s struggles and brief reign set the stage for the future success of the Mughal Empire under his son Akbar. His tomb in Delhi, built by his widow Bega Begum, stands as a testament to his legacy.
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