Storms on the Horizon: Humayun's Early Reign and the Shadow of Rebellion

Emperor Humayun, inheriting the vast but nascent Mughal Empire from his father Babar, quickly found himself navigating a complex landscape of internal dissent and external threats. The Akbarnama, the official chronicle of his son Akbar's reign, offers a detailed look at these early years, revealing a ruler grappling with the immense task of consolidating power across a diverse and often rebellious territory.

Facing the Eastern Front

Humayun's attention was soon drawn eastward. Reports of disturbances in the eastern provinces, particularly the rise of figures like Sher Khan, prompted him to prepare for a campaign. However, before he could fully commit to this, news arrived of a significant challenge from the west: Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, who was making aggressive moves and supporting rivals to the Mughal throne.

Recognizing the immediate threat, Humayun shifted his focus. He dispatched forces to counter Bahadur Shah's allies, notably Tatar Khan, who had gathered a large army and posed a direct challenge near Delhi. The imperial forces, though initially facing a formidable host, managed to defeat Tatar Khan, scattering his troops and temporarily neutralizing that particular threat.

The Resurgence of a Familiar Foe: Rana Sanga

The narrative in the Akbarnama then turns to the persistent challenge posed by figures like Rana Sanga. Though Babar had famously defeated Rana Sanga at the Battle of Khanwa, the spirit of resistance among Rajput confederacies remained potent. The chronicle recounts the formidable strength of Rana Sanga's army, detailing the vast numbers of cavalry contributed by various chiefs, totaling over two hundred thousand horsemen.

The account vividly describes the Battle of Khanwa, highlighting Babar's strategic genius in arraying his smaller, but disciplined, army. Utilizing tactics like the araba (gun carriages) chained together for defense and providing cover for matchlock men and artillery, Babar created a strong defensive line. The battle was fierce, with intense fighting on both wings. Despite the numerical superiority of Rana Sanga's forces, Babar's tactical deployment, the effectiveness of his artillery, and crucial flanking maneuvers (tulughma) ultimately led to a decisive Mughal victory. Rana Sanga's army was routed, and many prominent Rajput chiefs were slain. This victory, achieved against such overwhelming odds, is presented as a testament to Babar's leadership and divine favor.

This historical context underscores the scale of the challenges Humayun inherited. The threat from powerful regional rulers and confederacies, capable of fielding massive armies, was ever-present.

Consolidating Gains and Shifting Priorities

Following the defeat of Tatar Khan and the historical reminder of the threat posed by figures like Rana Sanga, Humayun focused on consolidating his position. He subdued areas like Mewat and returned to Agra. However, the eastern provinces, particularly the growing power of Sher Khan, continued to demand his attention. The chronicle details Sher Khan's rise from humble beginnings, his cunning, and his increasing control over key territories like Bihar and parts of Bengal.

Humayun once again turned his gaze eastward, recognizing that Sher Khan's unchecked ambition posed a significant threat to the stability of the empire. This set the stage for the prolonged and ultimately challenging conflict with the Afghan leader, a struggle that would define much of Humayun's later reign.

Lessons from the Chronicle

The Akbarnama's account of these early years offers valuable insights into the dynamics of 16th-century India. It highlights the fluid nature of power, the constant need for vigilance, and the critical importance of unity, particularly among the ruling family. The internal discord among Humayun's brothers, often mentioned as a factor hindering his efforts, stands in stark contrast to the strategic cohesion that brought Babar victory at Khanwa. The chronicle, while celebrating Mughal triumphs, does not shy away from detailing the immense difficulties faced, providing a rich, albeit biased, source for understanding the tumultuous beginnings of the Mughal Empire in India.