Against All Odds: Babar's Fifth and Final Conquest of Hindustan

Zahiru-d-din Muhammad Babar, a descendant of Timur and Chingiz Khan, had his sights set on Hindustan for years. Four times he had turned his gaze towards the fertile plains, and four times circumstances had forced his return. But the fifth time, guided by what he perceived as divine will and an unshakeable inner resolve, he embarked on the expedition that would change the course of Indian history forever.

The Fifth Attempt: A Fateful Journey Begins

On the first day of Safar in the year 932 AH (November 17, 1525), with the sun in Sagittarius – an auspicious sign – Babar unfurled his standards of light from Kabul. His destination: Hindustan. Leaving Mirza Kamran in charge of Qandahar and Kabul, he set forth, placing his trust firmly in God and his own courage. Crossing the Indus near Kacakot, he conducted a muster of his forces. The count? A mere 12,000 men, a mix of Turks, Tajiks, and others, including merchants who perhaps doubled as mercenaries.

This was a stark contrast to the vast armies of Hindustan, ruled by Sultan Ibrahim Lodi. Yet, Babar pressed on, crossing the rivers of the Panjab – the Bihat (Jhelam) and the Cinab – facing initial skirmishes and consolidating control over areas like Bhira and Khushab. His son, Humayun, joined him from Badakhshan with his contingent, adding strength to the growing force.

The Epic Clash at Panipat

The stage was set for a monumental confrontation. Sultan Ibrahim Lodi advanced with a colossal army, estimated at 100,000 cavalry and 1,000 war elephants. Babar, with his relatively small force, chose his ground strategically near Panipat. Drawing upon tactics observed from the Ottomans, he ordered carts to be collected and chained together, creating a fortified front for his matchlock men and cannoniers. Gabions (earthen fortifications) were placed between the carts, offering further protection. His flanks were secured by trees and ditches, and flanking parties (tulughma) were positioned to wheel around the enemy.

For a week, skirmishes tested the lines. Then, on the 8th of Rajab (April 20, 1526), Sultan Ibrahim launched his full assault. The battle was fierce, but Babar's disciplined troops, superior tactics, and effective use of firearms proved decisive. The Afghan ranks were broken, their elephants turned back in panic, and the mighty army of Delhi was routed. Sultan Ibrahim Lodi was found dead in a corner of the battlefield, one of the many thousands who fell that day.

Babar's victory at Panipat was not merely a military triumph; it was a testament to his strategic genius and the unwavering resolve that compensated for his numerical disadvantage. As the text notes, earlier conquerors like Mahmud of Ghazni and Shihabu-d-din Ghori had faced a fragmented India, but Babar defeated a single, powerful monarch with a fraction of the troops they commanded. This victory, achieved against such overwhelming odds, was attributed to divine aid.

Consolidating Power: Challenges and Resolve

Following the victory, Babar moved swiftly to secure his hold. Humayun was dispatched to Agra, the capital, to secure the treasury, while others were sent to Delhi. Babar himself arrived in Delhi shortly after, and then proceeded to Agra, establishing it as his capital.

The immediate aftermath was not a period of ease. Hindustan was vast, and numerous local chiefs and Afghan remnants refused to submit. Forts like Sanbal, Bayana, Dholpur, Gwalior, and many others remained in rebel hands. The climate, particularly the oppressive heat, took its toll on Babar's troops, leading to sickness and desertions. Many officers, including seasoned veterans like Khwaja Kalan Beg, grew weary and advocated for a return to the cooler climes of Kabul.

It was during this critical juncture that Babar displayed his remarkable leadership. He convened his officers and delivered a powerful speech, reminding them of the hardships endured to win this country and the folly of abandoning it for temporary discomfort. He declared his firm intention to stay, stating, "Whoever has a mind to depart to Kabul... it matters not, let him go. But we, relying on the lofty courage which rests on the Divine help, have fixed India in our heart."

This resolute stance rallied most of his officers, though some, like Khwaja Kalan Beg, were granted leave to return. Babar then set about consolidating his rule through a mix of force and diplomacy, gradually bringing rebellious territories and chiefs into submission.

Facing the Rajput Confederacy

The greatest challenge to Babar's nascent empire came from the formidable Rajput confederacy led by Rana Sanga of Mewar. Sanga, who had reportedly been in contact with Babar before Panipat, now saw an opportunity to challenge the new power. He assembled a massive army, estimated by the text's calculation to be over 200,000 horse, including numerous Rajput chiefs and even some disaffected Afghans.

Babar marched to meet this threat in 1527. The armies clashed at Khanwa, near Sikri. Despite the daunting numbers of the enemy, Babar again employed his strategic brilliance, utilizing similar tactics of chained carts and flanking movements as at Panipat. The battle was fiercely contested, a true test of courage and endurance. Babar's troops, inspired by his leadership and fighting for survival, ultimately prevailed. Rana Sanga was defeated, and many prominent Rajput chiefs were slain, effectively breaking the back of the confederacy and securing Babar's position in northern India.

Further Consolidation and Legacy

Following Khanwa, Babar continued his campaigns, capturing Chanderi in 1528 and campaigning in the eastern territories against the remaining Afghan forces. He faced ongoing challenges, including the ambitions of his own relatives and the persistent resistance of local powers.

Babar's final conquest of Hindustan was not just a series of military victories; it was the result of extraordinary courage, strategic foresight, and an unyielding determination in the face of immense adversity. He laid the foundation for the mighty Mughal Empire, transforming the political landscape of the subcontinent. His ability to inspire loyalty, his tactical innovations, and his personal bravery, often attributed to divine favor in the historical accounts, cemented his place as one of history's great conquerors and the first Mughal Emperor of India.

His story reminds us that even with limited resources, clear vision and unwavering resolve can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, leaving a lasting impact on the world.