The Lord of Conjunction: Timur's Epic Sweep Across the World (as told in the Akbarnama)

The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's monumental history of Emperor Akbar, doesn't just recount the events of Akbar's reign. It meticulously traces his lineage back through centuries, weaving a narrative that connects the Mughal emperors to legendary figures and, ultimately, to a divine plan. Among these ancestors, Amir Timur, known as Sahib Qiran or the Lord of Conjunction, stands out as a figure of immense power and significance.

Abu'l Fazl dedicates considerable space to Timur, not merely as a historical figure, but as a crucial link in the chain of "Divine Light" leading to Akbar. His account, while detailing military campaigns, is framed within a larger philosophical and spiritual context, portraying Timur's conquests as part of a cosmic unfolding.

A Realm Without Equal: The Scale of Timur's Empire

Born in the environs of Kesh (Shahr-i-sabs) in 1336, Timur rose from relative obscurity to command an empire stretching across vast swathes of Asia. The Akbarnama lists his conquests, painting a picture of unparalleled reach: "Transoxiana, Khwarizm, Turkistan, Khurasan, the two 'Iraqs, Azarbaijan, Persia, Mazindaran, Kirman, Diyarbakr, Khuzistan, Egypt, Syria, Asia Minor (Rum), etc."

This wasn't just a collection of territories; it was a world-altering force. Abu'l Fazl emphasizes that Timur "uplifted the banners of authority and sovereignty in the four quarters of the world and in the seven climes." His name became synonymous with dominion, a testament to his strategic genius and military might.

Campaigns That Shook the World

The text highlights several of Timur's most impactful campaigns:

• Against the Golden Horde: He twice led armies against Toqtamish Khan, the ruler of Dasht Qipcak (the Khirgiz Steppe), emerging victorious and clearing the region of "rubbish of strife."
• Subduing Persia: His campaigns in Iran brought death to figures like Shah Mansur and extirpated dynasties like the Muzaffarids, consolidating his control over the region.
• The Indian Expedition: In 1398, Timur crossed the Indus, famously building a bridge over the river, and conquered Hindustan, taking Delhi. Abu'l Fazl notes the scale of this undertaking, contrasting Timur's large army with the fragmented rule in India at the time.
• The Syrian Campaign: Expeditions against Syria led to the capture of Aleppo and Damascus, where rulers were imprisoned and punished.
• The Battle of Angora (Ancyra): A pivotal clash in 1402 against Bayazid Ilderim ("Thunderbolt"), the Ottoman ruler of Rum. Timur's victory resulted in Bayazid's capture, a moment the Akbarnama describes with a touch of chivalry, noting Bayazid was given a seat of honour despite his defeat (though it omits the controversial iron cage story).

These campaigns weren't just military exercises; in Abu'l Fazl's narrative, they were manifestations of Timur's destiny, guided by "secret aids" and "Divine protection."

Legacy and Succession

Timur's administration, though briefly touched upon for him personally, is a recurring theme for his ancestors. The text notes his appointment of his sons to various roles – Juji for feasts and hunting, Chagatai for judiciary matters, Okadai for government, and Tuli for military affairs.

Crucially, the Akbarnama discusses the covenant established by Timur's ancestor Tumana Khan, which stipulated that the Khanate would pass through Qabal's line, while the Commander-in-Chiefship would remain with Qaculi's descendants (Timur's branch). Abu'l Fazl grapples with Timur's decision to assign Qarachar Nuyan (a descendant of Qaculi) to Chagatai rather than the chosen successor Okadai, seeing it as a complex move, perhaps even a "breach of covenant" from a worldly perspective, but ultimately part of a larger "Divine strategy" preparing the way for Akbar.

Timur died in 1405 during an expedition against China. The text recounts the secrecy surrounding his death until the Tangut campaign was finished, and the mystery of his hidden tomb, which Abu'l Fazl interprets as a sign of "God's supervision," protecting the site from disrespect.

Timur in the Akbarnama's Divine Narrative

Abu'l Fazl's portrayal elevates Timur beyond a mere conqueror. While the "vulgar" might see him as an "exponent of Divine wrath," the "wise" recognize him as an "emanation of Divine blessings." His actions, even those seemingly harsh, are framed as being "based on certain spiritual principles."

Timur, the "Lord of Conjunction," is presented as the figure who restored the visible sovereignty to his branch of the lineage, a necessary step in the "Divine strategy" culminating in Akbar, the "consummation of all degrees, spiritual and temporal." His reign, marked by vast conquests and administrative efforts, was a preparation, a setting of the stage for the "unique pearl of the Imperial Vicegerency" – Akbar himself.

An Enduring Figure

Timur's life, as recounted in the Akbarnama, is a blend of epic conquest and spiritual destiny. He is not just a historical figure but a foundational element in the Mughal origin story, his power and reach serving as a prelude to the glory of Akbar's reign. His legacy, viewed through Abu'l Fazl's unique lens, reminds us how history is often interpreted and shaped by the narratives that follow, connecting past might to future glory in a tapestry of lineage and divine purpose.