Humayun(1530-1540, 1555-1556)

Humayun(1530-1540, 1555-1556)

Ascension to the Throne

●​ Nasir-ud-din Muhammad, popularly known as Humayun, succeeded his father Babur as

the ruler of the Mughal Empire in December 1530 at the young age of 23.
●​ Following the Timurid tradition, Humayun divided the empire among his three
half-brothers. Kamran was granted Kabul, Kandahar, Punjab, and the North-West
Frontier; Askari was assigned Sambhal, and Hindal was given Alwar.
●​ This division of territories weakened Humayun’s control over the empire and created
administrative and military challenges. Humayun officially ascended the throne on
December 30, 1530, four days after Babur’s death, and established his court in Agra.

Initial Administrative and Strategic Errors

●​ Humayun made several critical administrative and strategic errors early in his reign that
undermined his authority. His decision to divide the empire weakened central control, as
his brothers became semi-autonomous rulers.
●​ Furthermore, Babur’s precedent of granting large estates (jagirs) to nobles in exchange
for military support left Humayun struggling to manage an aristocracy that wielded
immense power.
 ●​ These issues, combined with a lack of unity within the Mughal administration, created
persistent instability.

Early Military Campaigns

1.​ Expedition to Kalinjar (1531):​

Humayun launched an expedition against Kalinjar in Bundelkhand, believing the raja to
be sympathetic to the Afghans. The Mughal army besieged Kalinjar for six months, but
the siege highlighted their military shortcomings. Although the raja eventually submitted
and paid compensation, the campaign demonstrated the limited effectiveness of the
Mughal forces.

2.​ First Siege of Chunar (1532):​

The Afghan leader Sher Khan (later Sher Shah Suri) held the fort of Chunar, which
became a strategic challenge for Humayun. The Mughal army besieged the fort for four
months but failed to capture it. Humayun eventually abandoned the siege and
acknowledged Sher Khan’s dominance, a decision that would later cost him dearly.

3.​ Battle of Dadrah or Daurah (1532):​

In response to Afghan incursions into the Mughal province of Jaunpur, Humayun led
his army across the Ganges and decisively defeated Afghan forces led by Biban and
Bayazid near the Gomti River. Despite this victory, Sher Khan refrained from joining the
Afghan forces, which some criticized as betrayal. Afghan leaders, including Sultan
Mahmud Lodi, sought refuge with Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.

Conflict with Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (1535-1536)

●​ Bahadur Shah, the ruler of Gujarat, had extended his influence by capturing Malwa and
Raisen and providing refuge to Afghan rebels. This provoked Humayun to launch a
campaign against him. After Bahadur Shah captured Chittor in 1535, Humayun
besieged him at Mandu.

●​ Bahadur Shah fled and sought refuge on the Island of Diu with Portuguese assistance.

Humayun captured key forts like Mandu and Champaner but failed to maintain control
over Gujarat due to administrative challenges and resistance from local chiefs. Internal
dissent among Mughal nobles further weakened his hold, allowing Bahadur Shah to
regain Gujarat in 1536.
Contest with Sher Shah Suri

1.​ Second Siege of Chunar (1537):​

Humayun returned to confront Sher Shah, who had consolidated power in Bihar and
Bengal. After a six-month siege, Humayun captured the Chunar fort in March 1538.
However, Sher Shah’s power continued to grow, leading to further confrontations.

2.​ Battle of Chausa (1539):​

In June 1539, Humayun faced Sher Shah near Chausa. Despite warnings from his
generals, Humayun positioned his army on the southern bank of the Ganges, which
became vulnerable during the monsoon season. Heavy rains flooded the Mughal camp,
and Sher Shah launched a decisive attack. The Mughal forces suffered heavy casualties,
and many soldiers drowned in the Ganges. Humayun narrowly escaped death with the
help of a water carrier named Nizam, whom he later rewarded by allowing him to briefly
sit on the throne.

3.​ Battle of Kannauj (1540):​

After his defeat at Chausa, Humayun attempted to regroup his forces but faced
significant challenges, including a lack of support from his brothers. In May 1540, Sher
Shah decisively defeated Humayun’s army near Kannauj. The Mughal forces were poorly
trained and ill-equipped, leading to another catastrophic loss. Following this defeat,
Humayun fled to Persia, where he sought refuge with Shah Tahmasp of the Safavid
Empire.

Exile and Return to Power

After his defeat, Humayun spent nearly 15 years in exile. He was warmly welcomed by Shah
Tahmasp, who provided him with military support to regain his throne. In 1555, Humayun
successfully recaptured Delhi and restored the Mughal Empire. However, his return to power was
short-lived, as he died in 1556 after a fatal fall from the stairs of his library.
 Key Outcomes of Humayun’s Reign

●​ Humayun’s inability to consolidate power due to administrative errors and strategic

missteps weakened the Mughal Empire.
●​ The rise of Sher Shah Suri as a formidable leader led to the temporary loss of the empire.
●​ His exile in Persia allowed for cultural exchanges that influenced the Mughal court upon
his return.
●​ Despite its setbacks, Humayun’s reign paved the way for the eventual consolidation of
the empire under his son Akbar.

Important Books of the Period:

Book Title​ Author​ Period Significance

Written​

Humayun Gulbadan Begum 16th century Written by Humayun’s half-sister, this

Nama (after Humayun's memoir provides a detailed account of
death) Humayun's life, reign, and personal
traits, offering unique insights into the
Mughal family dynamics.

Tārīkh-i-Hum Khwandamir 1530s Chronicles Humayun’s early reign and

āyūn his challenges, providing a
contemporary historical account of his
rule.

The Life and Harbans Mukhia 20th century A modern historical analysis of
Times of Humayun's life, assessing his failures
Humayun and achievements in shaping the
Mughal Empire.

Empire of the Alex Rutherford 21st century A fictional retelling of Humayun’s life
Moghul: (historical fiction) and struggles, providing a dramatized
Brothers at version of historical events.
War
Battles of Humayun

Battle​ Year​ Opponent Outcome​ Significance

Battle of June Sher Shah Defeat for This marked a significant

Chausa​ 26, 1539 Suri​ Humayun. Sher setback, leading to
​ Shah Suri's forces Humayun's temporary
overwhelmed the retreat.
Mughal army

Battle of May 17, Sher Shah Defeat for Resulted in Humayun's

Kannauj 1540 Suri Humayun. Sher exile and the temporary
(Bilgram) Shah Suri's decline of Mughal power.
strategic
maneuvers led to
a decisive victory

Battle of 1955 Afghan Victory for Humayun's return to India

Machchiwara forces (under Humayun and recapture of Delhi,
Adali and regaining the Mughal
Sikandar throne.
Shah Suri)

Battle of June Sikandar Victory for This led to the

Sirhind 22, 1555 Shah Suri Humayun. The re-establishment of the
Mughal forces, Mughal Empire in India.
under his
command,
defeated Sikandar
Shah Suri.
Architecture

Humayun's Tomb
●​ Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden tomb in
India, featuring a Persian-style char bagh
symbolizing paradise.
●​ Designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza
Ghiyas, it blends red sandstone and white marble.
●​ The tomb’s distinctive double dome and tall
central pishtaq reflect Persian influences.
●​ Its octagonal plan, symbolizing eternity, houses
royal family members in surrounding chambers.

Charbagh
●​ The tomb complex is set in a char bagh, a
geometric layout divided into four squares by
water channels, symbolizing the four rivers of
paradise.
●​ This became a major feature in later Mughal
tombs, including the Taj Mahal.