The Lion's Swift Return: Babar Secures Kabul Against Rebellion

The year is 905 AH (1506-1507 CE). Emperor Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, is away from his base in Kabul. Suddenly, news arrives that shakes the foundations of his nascent authority: a rebellion has erupted in the very heart of his territory.

The Seeds of Discontent

The text from the Akbarnama reveals that the rebellion was instigated by Muhammad Husain Mirza Daghlat and Sultan Sanjar Barlas. They managed to sway the Mughals left in Kabul to their side, spreading a false report that Emperor Humayun (then a young prince) had been imprisoned near Herat. This calculated misinformation aimed to destabilize the region and challenge Babar's control, leading to the siege of Kabul itself.

While loyal officers like Mulla Babai Bashaghari, Amir Muhibb 'Ali Khalifa, and others valiantly defended the fort, the situation was precarious. The news of the siege and the false reports reached Babar, demanding an immediate and decisive response.

A Race Against Winter and Treachery

Babar's reaction was swift and characteristic of his dynamic leadership. Despite the challenging conditions, including snowy passes in the Hindu Koh mountains, he entrusted his baggage to his brother Jahangir Mirza (who was unwell) and, accompanied by only a few men, embarked on a rapid journey back to Kabul. This was not just a military maneuver; it was a personal race to reclaim his capital and reassure his people.

His arrival was as dramatic as his journey. Descending upon Kabul early one morning, the mere news of his presence caused the rebels to scatter and hide. Babar's immediate priority was to address the heart of the conspiracy and restore order, starting with his own family.

Clemency and Reassurance

Babar first went to his step-grandmother, Shah Begum, who had been involved in promoting Khan Mirza (Sultan Vais Mirza), one of the figures the rebels had put forward. Approaching her with profound respect, he knelt before her and spoke with remarkable modesty and magnanimity. He reassured her, saying, "If a mother have special affection for one child, why should another child be aggrieved, there is no limit to her authority." He then, perhaps exhausted by his journey and the emotional weight of the situation, laid his head on her lap and slept, a powerful gesture of trust and vulnerability that aimed to soothe her anxieties.

His aunt, Mihr Nigar Khanum, soon arrived, bringing with her the key figures of the rebellion: Muhammad Husain Mirza and Khan Mirza. Mihr Nigar presented them, asking Babar what his pleasure was regarding his "guilty cousin" (Khan Mirza) and "unfortunate cousin" (Muhammad Husain Mirza). Babar's response was a testament to his capacity for forgiveness. He embraced Khan Mirza and spoke kindly to him. Despite the severity of their actions, he granted Muhammad Husain Mirza his life and permission to go to Khurasan. Khan Mirza, perhaps overwhelmed by shame, chose to leave for Qandahar.

Securing Authority and Legacy

This episode highlights not only Babar's military prowess and determination but also his political acumen and willingness to extend clemency, particularly within his extended family circle. By swiftly returning and addressing the rebellion with a mix of force (against the scattered rebels) and forgiveness (towards the leaders), he re-established his authority in Kabul without resorting to widespread bloodshed among the elite.

In a time when loyalty could be fluid and family ties complex, Babar's actions here were crucial. He secured his vital base in Kabul, a necessary step before his later campaigns in India. This triumph wasn't just about winning a battle; it was about preserving the fragile unity of his court and demonstrating the strength and magnanimity required to build a lasting empire.