The Dawn of an Empire: How Babar's Genius Won the Battle of Panipat
Published on 5/28/2024
The Akbarnama, the grand chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign penned by Abu'l Fazl, offers a vivid account of the events that paved the way for the Mughal Empire. Among these, the narrative of Babar's conquest of India, culminating in the First Battle of Panipat, stands out as a testament to strategic foresight and unwavering determination.
Babar, the founder of the dynasty and Emperor Akbar's grandfather, had already undertaken several expeditions towards India, facing numerous challenges from weather, terrain, and local opposition. Yet, his resolve to establish a lasting dominion in this vast land remained firm.
Facing a Colossus: Sultan Ibrāhīm's Mighty Army
In 1526, Babar found himself confronting Sultan Ibrāhīm Lōdī, the ruler of Delhi, who commanded a truly formidable force. According to the Akbarnama, Ibrāhīm advanced with a staggering army of nearly 100,000 cavalry and a thousand war elephants. This was a power that dwarfed Babar's own troops, which numbered around 12,000, including soldiers and camp followers.
Babar's Masterstroke: Innovation on the Battlefield
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Babar possessed a crucial edge: tactical innovation and the effective use of gunpowder artillery, a technology not yet fully embraced by the Lōdī forces. Drawing inspiration from Ottoman military tactics, Babar meticulously prepared his battle lines near Panipat.
He ordered carts (araba) to be collected and chained together, creating a fortified front for his center. Between these carts, he placed gabions (tura), earth-filled baskets, providing cover for his matchlock men and cannoneers. This defensive structure was a crucial shield against the charging elephants and cavalry. His flanks were protected by trees and ditches, and he employed the Tulughma tactic – flanking parties positioned to wheel around and attack the enemy's rear.
The Clash at Panipat
On the morning of April 20th, 1526 (8th Rajab, 932 AH), the two armies faced each other. Sultan Ibrāhīm, confident in his numbers, launched a massive assault. The battle was fierce, with intense fighting on both wings. Babar's innovative formation held firm, absorbing the shock of the Lōdī charges.
The Mughal artillery, directed by Ustad 'Ali Quli, played a devastating role, unleashing fire from behind the fortified carts and breaking the enemy ranks. Babar's flanking parties executed their maneuvers, adding pressure from the sides and rear.
Victory Against All Odds
The combination of Babar's strategic positioning, the effective use of artillery, and the disciplined execution of the Tulughma proved decisive. Despite their overwhelming numbers, the Lōdī forces were thrown into confusion. Sultan Ibrāhīm himself was slain in the chaos, his body later found amidst the fallen. The Afghan army suffered immense losses, scattered and defeated.
The Akbarnama emphasizes the miraculous nature of this victory, achieved by a relatively small army against such a powerful foe. It highlights the role of Divine aid and Babar's unwavering reliance on God, contrasting it with the disunity and lack of foresight among the Lōdī forces.
Securing the Conquest
Immediately following the victory, Babar dispatched forces to secure Agra, the capital, and Delhi, seizing the royal treasures and establishing control. He entered Delhi shortly after, followed by his entry into Agra, marking the formal beginning of Mughal rule in India.
Babar's magnanimity was evident in his treatment of Sultan Ibrāhīm's family, providing them with stipends and ensuring their welfare. He also distributed vast amounts of wealth from the captured treasuries among his soldiers and nobles, a display of generosity that earned him loyalty, though it also led to some initial financial strain.
A Turning Point in History
The Battle of Panipat was more than just a military engagement; it was a pivotal moment that fundamentally altered the course of Indian history. It shattered the power of the Delhi Sultanate and laid the foundation for one of the world's great empires. Babar's strategic genius, his adaptability, and his ability to inspire his troops in the face of daunting odds secured his place as the founder of the glorious Mughal dynasty, a legacy meticulously chronicled in the pages of the Akbarnama.
This victory, achieved through a blend of military prowess and divine favor, set the stage for the reigns of his successors, including the illustrious Akbar, whose story Abu'l Fazl so eloquently tells. The echoes of Panipat resonate through history, a reminder of how vision and innovation can overcome even the most formidable challenges.