From Exile to Empire: Humayun's Triumphant Return and the Recapture of Qandahar

Exile is a harsh teacher, and for Emperor Humayun, the years following his defeat in India were a period of profound challenge and uncertainty. Driven from his throne by Sher Shah Suri and facing disloyalty from his own brothers, Humayun's path led him westward, across deserts and mountains, to the court of the Safavid Shah Tahmasp in Persia. This journey, detailed in the Akbarnama, wasn't just a flight; it was a strategic pivot that would ultimately pave the way for his return.

A Royal Welcome in Persia

Humbled but not broken, Humayun's arrival in Persia was met with unexpected and lavish hospitality. Shah Tahmasp, recognizing the lineage and potential of the Mughal emperor, extended a welcome that went far beyond mere courtesy. The Akbarnama recounts the Shah's delight, ordering days of celebration and sending a warm letter filled with promises of support. Humayun's journey through Persian cities like Herat and Mashhad was marked by royal receptions, visits to revered shrines, and cultural exchanges. This period wasn't just about finding refuge; it was about forging a powerful alliance. The Shah pledged a formidable force of 12,000 cavalry, a commitment that transformed Humayun's desperate situation into a viable plan for restoration.

The Road Back: Recapturing Bast

Armed with this crucial Persian aid, Humayun turned his gaze eastward. The first objective on the path to Qandahar was the fortress of Bast in the Garmsir region. This wasn't an easy start. The initial assault saw the loss of brave officers like 'Ali Sultan Taklu. However, the siege pressed on, demonstrating the combined resolve of the Mughal and Persian forces. The garrison, cut off and without hope of relief, eventually surrendered. The capture of Bast, though costly, was a vital first step, securing a foothold and boosting the morale of Humayun's army.

The Prize: Laying Siege to Qandahar

With Bast secured, the focus shifted to Qandahar, a strategically crucial city held by Humayun's half-brother, Mirza 'Askari. The siege was arduous. 'Askari, perhaps fearing his brother's retribution, had heavily fortified the city. The Akbarnama describes the daily skirmishes and the challenges faced by the besiegers. Tensions arose among the Persian auxiliaries, weary of the protracted campaign. Humayun, however, remained resolute, personally directing the siege and even establishing a new, closer battery under the cover of night.

A poignant moment arrived when 'Askari, perhaps seeing the tide turn, requested a truce until their aunt, Khanzada Begam, could arrive to mediate. Humayun, ever the forgiving brother, granted the request. Yet, even Khanzada Begam's presence couldn't sway 'Askari from his path of opposition. The siege resumed, intensified by the arrival of Mughal reinforcements from Kabul who had escaped Kamran's control.

Clemency and a Stepping Stone

As the siege wore on, despair set in among the garrison. Officers began to defect, slipping out of the fort under the cover of darkness. Faced with inevitable defeat, 'Askari finally surrendered through the intercession of Khanzada Begam. The scene, as described in the Akbarnama, highlights Humayun's remarkable character. Despite the years of betrayal and hardship caused by 'Askari, Humayun chose clemency. He accepted his brother's surrender, removing the sword of submission from his neck and embracing him with tears. While 'Askari was initially kept under surveillance, Humayun's forgiving nature was again tested when the Mirza escaped, only to be recaptured and pardoned once more.

The recapture of Qandahar in 1545 was more than just taking a city; it was a symbolic victory and a practical necessity. It provided Humayun with a secure base, resources, and a rallying point for loyalists. It demonstrated the strength of his alliance with Persia and, perhaps more importantly, the enduring loyalty of those who believed in his cause, despite the odds. Qandahar became the crucial stepping stone from which Humayun would launch his campaign to reclaim his lost empire in Hindustan, a testament to perseverance and the complex dynamics of power and family in the Mughal world.