The Crumbling Shield of Unity: Humayun, His Brothers, and the Disaster at Qanauj

Following the devastating setback at Causa, Emperor Humayun, having lost Bengal to the ascendant Sher Khan, turned his gaze towards the Punjab. His hope lay in reuniting with his brothers – Kamran, Askari, and Hindal – believing that a united front was the only path to reclaiming his lost territories and securing the Mughal future in India. What transpired, however, was a stark lesson in the fragility of ambition when trust is absent.

A Fleeting Moment in Lahore

Humayun arrived in Lahore, where his brothers awaited. The initial meeting held the promise of renewed strength. Discussions were held, strategies debated, and a solemn deed of concord and unanimity was drawn up and signed by all the brothers and key nobles. It was a moment meant to solidify their resolve against the common enemy, Sher Khan, who was rapidly consolidating power in the east.

Yet, beneath the surface of this apparent unity, suspicion and self-interest festered. Different proposals for action emerged: Kamran favored retreating to the perceived safety of Kabul, Hindal and Yadgar Nasir Mirza eyed an expedition to Bhakkar and Sind, while Mirza Haidar (a loyal cousin) championed the conquest of Kashmir as a secure base. This divergence in vision hinted at the deeper rifts that the signed deed could not bridge.

The Seeds of Discord Bear Bitter Fruit

Kamran, in particular, harbored deep-seated mistrust and ambition. Feigning illness, he began to subtly undermine Humayun's authority. Astonishingly, he entered into secret communication with Sher Khan, sending his Sadr (chief religious officer), Qasi Abdullah, to negotiate a separate peace. This act of betrayal, seeking personal security through the enemy, was a poison in the heart of the Mughal family.

Despite Humayun's pleas for unity and his offer to accommodate Kamran's concerns, the elder brother remained resolute in his self-serving path. He departed for Kabul, taking a significant portion of the army with him, weakening Humayun at a critical juncture. Mirza Haidar, however, chose loyalty over perceived safety, remaining with the Emperor.

The Fateful March to Qanauj

Left with a diminished and increasingly dispirited force, Humayun decided to confront Sher Khan near Qanauj (also known as Bilgram). The march was arduous, hampered by the onset of the rainy season which turned the terrain into a muddy quagmire. The army, already reeling from the Causa defeat and the subsequent desertions, was ill-equipped and struggling.

Sher Khan, a master strategist, positioned his well-organized Afghan forces across the Ganges. Humayun, against the advice of some of his seasoned officers, decided to cross the river and engage. A bridge was built, and initial skirmishes saw Mughal bravery, but the overall situation was precarious. Even the return and subsequent desertion of Muhammad Sultan Mirza and his sons highlighted the pervasive lack of commitment within the ranks.

The Disaster at Qanauj (Bilgram)

On the 10th of Muharram, 947 AH (May 17, 1540 CE), the two armies drew up for battle. The Mughal formation was hampered by the muddy ground. Sher Khan's forces attacked, focusing initially on Hindal's wing. Despite Hindal's brave stand and initial success, the lack of coordination and the difficult conditions proved insurmountable for the Mughals.

As Sher Khan launched a personal charge, supported by Khawas Khan, the Mughal lines crumbled. Many officers failed to hold their ground. Humayun himself fought valiantly, breaking two lances, but the tide had turned. The text suggests a deeper, almost mystical, reason for the defeat – a divine plan, a process of 'polishing' for the elect, a 'charm' against the 'fatal eye' in preparation for the advent of the future King of Kings, Akbar.

Humayun was forced to retreat towards the Ganges. The bridge was broken, and in the chaos, many soldiers perished in the river. Humayun, separated from his horse, was saved from drowning by a water-carrier named Nizam, whom he famously promised a day on the throne in return for his life.

Exile and Reflection

The defeat at Qanauj was catastrophic. The Mughal army was scattered, and Humayun was forced into a long and arduous exile. The text attributes this disaster not just to Sher Khan's military prowess but significantly to the disunity and lack of steadfastness among Humayun's brothers and officers. Kamran's betrayal and subsequent actions further compounded the Emperor's woes.

The Battle of Qanauj marked a turning point, ushering in a period of Afghan rule under Sher Shah Sur. It stands as a historical testament to the critical importance of unity and loyalty, a lesson learned at immense cost by the second Mughal Emperor." ---"