Babar's First Glimpse of Hindustan: A Journey of Discovery

Before the grand conquests that would establish the Mughal Empire in India, Zahiru-d-din Muhammad Babar, the ambitious descendant of Timur, embarked on journeys that were as much about discovery as they were about dominion. The Akbarnama, the official chronicle of his grandson Akbar's reign, offers glimpses into these early forays, painting a picture of a leader observing, learning, and laying the groundwork for future endeavors.

The First Step Across the Frontier

According to the Akbarnama, Babar's first significant move towards Hindustan occurred in Sha'ban of 910 Hijri (January 1505 CE). Setting out from Kabul, his path led him through challenging terrain, via places like Badam Cashma and Jagdalik, eventually taking him through the famous Khaibar Pass. His destination was the area around Jam (modern Jamrud), near the river known as the Indus or Nilab.

This wasn't yet the full-scale invasion that would later define his legacy. Instead, it appears to have been a reconnaissance, a probing of the frontier. The text notes a delay at the Indus crossing, attributed to the 'avarice' of an officer named Bāqi Caghanā'īāni, suggesting internal challenges were present even in these early stages.

A New World Unveiled

What stands out from this expedition, as recorded through Babar's own words in his Waqi'at-i-Babari (Memoirs), is the profound sense of encountering a completely different world. Upon reaching the 'Garmsir' (warm regions) and the country of Hindustan, Babar was struck by the unfamiliarity:

"Immediately on reaching them, I beheld a new world. The grass was different, the trees different, the wild animals of a different sort, the birds of a different plumage, the manners and customs of the people... of a different kind. I was struck with astonishment, and indeed there was room for wonder."

This passage, preserved in the Akbarnama, highlights Babar's keen observational skills and his genuine surprise at the diverse environment and culture he encountered. It wasn't just a military objective; it was a sensory and cultural awakening.

Beyond the Indus

The expedition continued, moving through areas like Kohat, Bangash, and Naghs. They reached the environs of Tarbila, a village on the Indus in the country of Multan, and proceeded further down the river before turning towards Duki and eventually returning to Ghaznin and Kabul in the month of Zil-hajja (May 1505 CE).

While this initial foray didn't result in permanent territorial gains, it was invaluable. It provided Babar with firsthand knowledge of the geography, the people, and the potential challenges and opportunities that lay within Hindustan. It was a crucial learning experience that would inform his subsequent, more determined campaigns.

The Seed of Ambition

This first expedition, though brief and limited in scope, planted a seed. Babar's astonishment at the 'new world' of Hindustan was coupled with the strategic understanding gained from traversing its frontiers. It set the stage for the repeated attempts and eventual grand conquest that would follow, transforming him from a regional ruler into the founder of one of history's most significant empires. The journey across the Indus in 1505 was not the end, but merely the compelling prologue to the Mughal saga in India.