Early Tests of the Crown: Humayun's First Encounters with Kalinjar and the Rise of Sher Khan

Following the passing of his illustrious father, Emperor Babar, the mantle of the Mughal Khilafat fell upon Humayun. His early reign was not merely a continuation of conquest but a series of immediate tests, revealing both his inherent magnanimity and the complex political landscape he inherited. The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's monumental chronicle, offers a detailed look at these formative years, highlighting key campaigns that shaped Humayun's destiny and introduced him to his most formidable adversary.

The Siege of Kalinjar: Clemency in Conquest

One of Humayun's first significant military actions was the expedition against the formidable fort of Kalinjar in Bundelkhand. This wasn't just a strategic target; its capture would solidify Mughal authority in a crucial region. Humayun laid siege to the fort, a process that lasted for about a month. The text notes the garrison's eventual distress, leading the governor to seek terms.

In a display of the clemency that would often characterize his rule, Humayun accepted the governor's submission. The terms included the surrender of the fort and the presentation of a substantial amount of gold – twelve mans – along with other valuable gifts. Rather than imposing harsh penalties, Humayun showed regard for the governor's supplications and granted forgiveness. This early act set a tone of imperial grace, though the political realities of the time would soon demand a sterner hand.

The Shadow of Sher Khan: The Chunar Encounter

It was during this period that the figure of Sher Khan, an Afghan of the Sur tribe, began to loom large in the eastern provinces. Originally named Farid, his rise from relative obscurity to a position of power is a tale of cunning and ambition. The Akbarnama recounts his early life, marked by arrogance and a separation from his father, leading him through various services before he began to carve out his own territory through raids and usurpations in the Sahasram region.

Sher Khan's strategic brilliance was evident in his acquisition of the sky-based fortress of Chunar. After the death of its holder, Jamal Khan, Sher Khan, through a clever stratagem involving marriage to the widow, gained control of this vital stronghold. When Humayun turned his attention eastward and approached Chunar, Sher Khan, not yet ready for a direct confrontation, left his son Jalal Khan in charge and withdrew to Bengal, a move intended to draw Humayun away and allow Sher Khan to consolidate his gains and secure Bengal's treasures.

Humayun, however, laid siege to Chunar. The text highlights the role of Rumi Khan, a master of siege warfare who had joined Humayun's service after leaving Sultan Bahadur of Gujarat. Rumi Khan employed innovative techniques, including constructing a covered way (sabat) on boats and using mines to breach the walls. The garrison, led by Sher Khan's son, eventually sought terms and surrendered.

Here, a controversial incident occurred. While Humayun had reportedly ratified Rumi Khan's promise of quarter for the garrison (numbering around 2,000), an officer, Mu'ayyid Beg, allegedly exceeded orders and had their hands cut off, claiming it was the king's command. The Akbarnama is careful to note Humayun's displeasure and censure of the officer for this usurpation of authority, distinguishing the Emperor's intent from the brutal act committed in his name. Rumi Khan, despite his service in taking the fort, also met a swift, unfortunate end, reportedly poisoned.

Sher Khan's Growing Power and Humayun's Challenges

While Humayun lingered in Bengal, finding the climate agreeable and his army indulging in the country's abundance, Sher Khan was far from idle. He seized the opportunity presented by Humayun's absence and the growing disunity among the Mughal princes and officers. Sher Khan consolidated his control over Bihar and parts of the eastern Gangetic plain, taking key cities like Benares and Jaunpur.

The Akbarnama frames these events within a larger narrative of divine destiny, suggesting that these challenges were a form of preparation, a "polishing for the elect," for the eventual appearance of the "Holy Light" embodied in Akbar. The disunity among Humayun's brothers – Kamran, Askari, and Hindal – is repeatedly cited as a major factor that hampered the Mughal response to Sher Khan's rise. Despite Humayun's efforts to counsel and unite them, their "superfluity of naughtiness" and pursuit of self-interest created fissures in the empire's foundation.

A Legacy of Lessons

The early campaigns against Kalinjar and Chunar, and the subsequent rise of Sher Khan, were crucial learning experiences for Humayun. They demonstrated the importance of strategic focus, the dangers of internal discord, and the need for unwavering vigilance against a cunning foe. The Akbarnama's detailed account, while celebrating Mughal glory, does not shy away from recording the setbacks and the human factors – both noble and ignoble – that influenced events.

Understanding these early struggles, as preserved in historical texts like the Akbarnama, offers valuable insights into the complexities of leadership and the unpredictable nature of power. It reminds us that history is not just a list of victories but a tapestry woven with challenges, decisions, and their far-reaching consequences, providing lessons that remain relevant even today.