Brother Against Brother, Mughal Against Safavid: Early Intrigues in Humayun's Reign

The death of Emperor Babur in 1530 left the nascent Mughal Empire in the hands of his son, Humayun. While Humayun inherited a vast territory, he also inherited a complex political landscape, fraught with external threats and, perhaps more dangerously, internal rivalries. Among the most significant challenges were the ambitions of his own brothers and the shifting loyalties of various regional powers.

Mirza Kāmrān Consolidates Power in the Northwest

Mirza Kāmrān, Humayun's half-brother, quickly moved to secure his position in the northwest. Upon hearing of Babur's passing, Kāmrān, who had been entrusted with Qandahar, made his way towards India. His initial target was Lahor, a key city in the Panjab. The text recounts a clever stratagem employed by Kāmrān's officer, Qaraca Beg. Qaraca Beg staged a defection, fleeing Kāmrān's camp and seeking refuge with Mir Yunus 'Ali, the governor of Lahor. Mir Yunus 'Ali, perhaps seeing an opportunity or simply extending hospitality, welcomed Qaraca Beg. However, Qaraca Beg was merely waiting for his moment. During a convivial gathering, he seized Mir Yunus 'Ali and took control of the fort gates, paving the way for Kāmrān's swift entry and capture of Lahor.

Despite this forceful takeover, Humayun, perhaps adhering to his father's dying wish for fraternal harmony, confirmed Kāmrān's control over Kabul, Qandahar, and the Panjab. Kāmrān, in turn, sent expressions of loyalty and even a laudatory ode to Humayun, for which he was rewarded with the territory of Hisar Firuza.

A Clash with the Safavids over Qandahar

Kāmrān's ambitions weren't limited to the Mughal territories. Qandahar, a strategically vital city, was also coveted by the Safavid rulers of Persia. In 942 AH (1535-36 CE), Sām Mīrzā, brother of the Safavid Shah Tahmāsp, advanced on Qandahar with a large force of Qizilbāshīs (the distinctive red-hatted soldiers of the Safavid army). Khwaja Kilān Bēg, whom Kāmrān had placed in charge of Qandahar, bravely defended the fort for eight months. Meanwhile, Kāmrān marched from Lahor with his army. A significant battle ensued, resulting in a victory for Kāmrān. Aghzîwar Khân, Sām Mīrzā's tutor and a prominent Qizilbāshī officer, was captured and executed. This victory temporarily secured Qandahar for the Mughals, showcasing Kāmrān's military capability against an external power.

Muhammad Zamān Mīrzā's Opportunistic Moves

Adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape was Muhammad Zamān Mīrzā, a grandson of the former Timurid ruler of Herat, Sultan Husain Mirza. He had previously rebelled against Humayun and been imprisoned but managed to escape. He fled to Gujrat and then to Sind, where the Arghūn ruler, Shāh Husain, gave him refuge. Hearing that Kāmrān was away dealing with the Safavids, Muhammad Zamān Mīrzā saw an opening. Encouraged by Shāh Husain, he made his way towards Lahor, hoping to seize the city in Kāmrān's absence.

However, his timing was poor. Just as he was laying siege to Lahor, Kāmrān returned victorious from his confrontation with Sām Mīrzā. Muhammad Zamān Mīrzā, finding himself outmaneuvered, was forced to abandon his attempt and retreat back to Gujrat, his opportunistic gamble having failed.

The Price of Disunity

These early events highlight the precarious position Humayun was in. While he demonstrated a willingness to forgive and accommodate his relatives, their constant maneuvering for power created instability. Kāmrān's victory over the Safavids was a success, but his focus on consolidating his own domain in the northwest, coupled with the unpredictable actions of figures like Muhammad Zamān Mīrzā, diverted resources and attention that Humayun desperately needed to face the rising threat of Sher Khan Sur in the east. The narrative of Humayun's reign is, in many ways, a testament to the challenges posed by a divided house, where personal ambition often overshadowed the collective strength needed to preserve the empire.

These historical accounts, preserved in texts like the Akbarnama, offer valuable insights into the human element of empire-building – the complex interplay of loyalty, ambition, and circumstance that shaped the destiny of rulers and realms alike. They remind us that history is not just a list of dates and battles, but a tapestry woven from the intricate and often conflicting motivations of the people who lived it.