Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, ruled over territories that now encompass Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of northern India. He was the son of Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, and inherited the throne at the young age of 23. His reign was marked by constant battles, including rivalries within his own family. Though Humayun was a brave and adventurous ruler, his early years were fraught with defeats and loss of territory, mainly due to his inexperience and the ambitious plans of his half-brother, Kamran Mirza, who ruled Kabul and Lahore. Despite these challenges, Humayun’s resilience and determination eventually led him to reclaim his empire and expand it. Although he might not be ranked among the greatest of the Mughal emperors, Humayun left a lasting legacy, particularly through his son, Akbar, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated rulers in Indian history.
Childhood & Early Life
Humayun was born on March 17, 1508, in Kabul, which was part of the Mughal Empire (modern-day Afghanistan). He was the eldest son of Babur and Maham Begum. His early life was shaped by the strong legacy of his father, who founded the Mughal Empire, and Humayun had many siblings, several of whom would later become rivals in his quest for the throne.
From a young age, Humayun was groomed for leadership. He received an education typical of Mughal princes, which included studies in Turki, Arabic, and Persian. He also developed an interest in mathematics, philosophy, and astrology. In addition to intellectual pursuits, Humayun was given military training, preparing him for the challenges he would face as a ruler. At the age of 20, he was appointed governor of Badakhshan, where he began to prove his courage and abilities as a leader. His bravery was also evident in the battles of Panipat and Khanwa, two significant confrontations in Indian history.
Accession & Reign
Humayun ascended to the Mughal throne on December 26, 1530, following the death of his father, Babur. However, his reign was immediately challenged by family rivalries and external threats. His half-brother Kamran Mirza, for example, seized control of the Punjab and the Indus Valley. Humayun also had to contend with powerful enemies like Sultan Bahadur of Gujarat and Sher Shah Suri (Sher Khan), who would become his most formidable rival.
Despite these difficulties, Humayun acted quickly to address the threats to his empire. Sultan Bahadur planned an attack on Humayun’s territories, but Humayun successfully captured the important forts of Mandu and Champaner, forcing Bahadur to seek refuge with the Portuguese. Bahadur died in 1537, temporarily easing the pressure on Humayun’s reign.
However, Sher Shah Suri was rising to power in Bihar and Bengal, threatening Mughal rule. Humayun managed to briefly drive Sher Shah out of Bengal, but he was unable to maintain control for long. Sher Shah regrouped and struck back at Humayun’s forces, defeating them decisively at the Battle of Chausa in 1539. Over 8,000 Mughal soldiers were killed, severely weakening Humayun's army.
Defeats and Exile
Humayun’s struggles continued as he faced both external and internal threats. Following his defeat at Chausa, his brothers plotted against him, seeking to take advantage of his weakened position. Sher Shah Suri continued his campaign against the Mughals, culminating in the Battle of Kanauj in 1540. Once again, Sher Shah's forces prevailed, and the Mughals were driven out of northern India. Agra, the Mughal capital, fell into Sher Shah's hands, forcing Humayun to flee.
Humayun, along with his pregnant wife and a few loyal companions, sought refuge in Persia, where Shah Tahmasp of the Safavid Empire welcomed him. Despite being a defeated ruler, Humayun was treated with great respect by Shah Tahmasp, who not only offered him asylum but also provided military assistance. With this Persian support, Humayun was able to regain control of Kandahar and Kabul.
Return to Power
Meanwhile, Sher Shah Suri died in 1545, and his son and successor also passed away shortly afterward, leaving the Suri dynasty in disarray. By 1554, political instability in northern India provided Humayun with the perfect opportunity to return. With the help of Bairam Khan, a brilliant military strategist, Humayun launched a campaign to reclaim his empire. Bairam Khan’s leadership proved invaluable as the Mughal forces swiftly moved to retake Delhi and Agra.
On July 23, 1555, Humayun once again ascended the throne of the Mughal Empire, reclaiming his father's legacy. His return to power was marked by a series of military campaigns aimed at further consolidating his control over both eastern and western India. By the time of his death, the Mughal Empire had grown to encompass nearly one million square kilometers.
Major Battles
The Battle of Chausa (1539): This was a major defeat for Humayun at the hands of Sher Shah Suri. The battle resulted in the deaths of over 8,000 Mughal soldiers and significantly weakened Humayun’s position.
The Battle of Kanauj (1540): Another significant defeat for Humayun, this battle led to his exile and the temporary loss of the Mughal throne to Sher Shah Suri.
The Campaign to Reclaim Delhi (1555): With the military guidance of Bairam Khan, Humayun successfully reclaimed his empire from the Suri dynasty, marking his triumphant return to power.
Personal Life & Legacy
Humayun’s personal life was marked by his multiple marriages and the birth of his children, most notably his son, Akbar. Humayun's wives included Hamida Banu Begum, Mah Chuchak Begum, Bibi Gunwar Begum, and several others. His son Akbar, born to Hamida Banu Begum, would later become one of the most iconic emperors in Indian history, further expanding and consolidating the Mughal Empire.
In addition to his role as a ruler, Humayun was known for his peaceful demeanor and intellectual curiosity. He was deeply interested in astronomy and often consulted astrologers before making important decisions. His peaceful and kind nature earned him the title "Insān-i-Kamil" (Perfect Man) among his contemporaries.
Humayun also had a deep appreciation for art and culture. He was a patron of scholars and poets, and his court became a hub of intellectual and cultural activity. His passion for calligraphy is well-known, and he was a talented calligrapher himself. His court was adorned with fine works of art, and he encouraged the blending of Persian and Indian artistic traditions, a legacy that would continue to flourish under his son Akbar.
Humayun’s Tragic Death
Humayun’s reign came to a sudden and tragic end on January 27, 1556. As he descended a staircase from his library, arms full of books, he heard the muezzin’s call to prayer. Humayun, in his characteristic piety, attempted to kneel in reverence but lost his balance and fell down the stairs. The injuries he sustained from the fall proved fatal, and he died three days later.
Legacy
Though Humayun’s reign was marked by challenges and setbacks, his eventual return to power set the stage for the Mughal Empire’s future greatness. His son Akbar inherited a relatively stable empire, which he would later expand and transform into one of the most powerful and culturally rich empires in history. Humayun’s peaceful nature, intellectual pursuits, and support for the arts fostered a court that would serve as a model for the Mughal golden age.
Facts About Humayun
- Humayun was deeply fascinated by astronomy and often consulted astrologers to guide his decisions.
- He was a talented calligrapher and a patron of the arts, fostering a rich cultural environment at his court.
- Humayun was a devoted husband and father, known for his kindness and compassion towards his family.
- Despite his early military setbacks, Humayun’s resilience allowed him to reclaim his throne and secure the Mughal Empire for future generations.
- His legacy as a patron of culture and art influenced the development of Mughal architecture and aesthetics, which flourished under Akbar’s reign.
