The Fated Turn at Kūl Malik: How a Defeat Redirected Babar's Destiny

Babar, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, was a ruler whose early career was marked by relentless campaigns to reclaim his ancestral lands in Transoxiana, particularly the glittering prize of Samarqand. He faced formidable opposition, primarily from the Uzbegs, a powerful force in the region. While Babar achieved remarkable victories, even capturing Samarqand three times, his hold on the city and the surrounding territories remained precarious. It was during one of these intense struggles that a pivotal, though initially disheartening, event occurred – the Battle of Kūl Malik.

The Struggle for Samarqand

Babar's ambition was deeply rooted in his Timurid heritage. Samarqand, the capital of Timur's vast empire, held immense symbolic and strategic importance. His efforts to secure it brought him into direct conflict with the Uzbegs, led by figures like Shaibak Khān and later, 'Ubaidu-l-lāh Khān. Despite temporary successes, including his third capture of Samarqand in 917 AH (October 1511), the Uzbeg pressure was constant.

The Battle at Kūl Malik

The text recounts a significant engagement in Safar, 918 AH (April 1512), at a place called Kūl Malik. Babar faced 'Ubaidu-l-lāh Khān and the Uzbeg forces. Initially, the tide of battle seemed to favor Babar. His troops fought bravely, and victory appeared within reach. However, the narrative describes a sudden and unexpected turn of events, attributed to the 'jugglery of the heavens' – a way of expressing the inscrutable hand of fate or divine decree at play. Despite their initial advantage, Babar's forces suffered a defeat.

Retreat and Reflection

Following the loss at Kūl Malik, Babar was compelled to retreat, making his way towards Hisar. This defeat was a significant setback in his long-standing efforts to establish a firm base in Transoxiana. From a purely military perspective, it was a moment of failure, forcing him to reconsider his immediate objectives in the region.

A Fated Redirection?

Abu'l Fazl, the author of the Akbarnama, frames this and other setbacks not merely as military defeats but as part of a larger 'Divine strategy'. In his view, these difficulties in Transoxiana were divinely orchestrated to redirect Babar towards Hindustan. The text suggests that God's plan involved preparing the way for the eventual appearance of the 'king of kings' (Akbar), and Babar's struggles in his homeland were part of this grand design, pushing him towards a new destiny in India.

While a painful experience at the time, the defeat at Kūl Malik, coupled with persistent challenges in Transoxiana, ultimately contributed to Babar turning his gaze southeast. It highlights how historical narratives, particularly those written under royal patronage, interpret events through a lens of destiny and divine purpose, transforming setbacks into necessary steps on a fated path to greater glory – in this case, the conquest of Hindustan and the founding of a lasting empire." "