The Serpent's Coil and the Phoenix's Return: Humayun's Struggle for Kabul Against Kamran's Treachery

The grand narrative of Emperor Humayun's life, as chronicled by Abu'l Fazl in the Akbarnama, is punctuated by periods of immense hardship and unexpected turns of fortune. One of the most dramatic episodes unfolds when, while Humayun is campaigning far from the heartland, his own brother, Mirza Kamran, makes a move that plunges the emperor's world back into chaos: the seizure of Kabul.

A Brother's Opportunism

Humayun had been in Badakhshan, dealing with the complexities of regional control and the shifting loyalties of his relatives. News reached him of Mirza Kamran's actions – a swift, opportunistic strike on Kabul. Kamran, hearing of Humayun's illness and the army's difficulties, saw his chance. He first surprised Ghaznin, where the local governor, Zahid Beg, was caught off guard, reportedly intoxicated. Kamran's men took the fort, and Zahid Beg was cruelly executed.

From Ghaznin, Kamran pressed on to Kabul, arriving at dawn. The city's defenses were lax, and the governor, Muhammad 'Ali Tughai, was reportedly caught in a bath. Kamran's men entered the fort, and Kabul fell into his hands. Once in control, Kamran unleashed a wave of cruelty. Loyal servants were blinded, and in a particularly horrific act, he had the young sons of Babus, one of Humayun's loyal men, killed and their bodies thrown from the fort walls near the imperial batteries. This was a stark message, a brutal display of power and disregard for familial or loyal ties.

The Emperor's Difficult Return

Upon receiving the devastating news in Badakhshan, Humayun's heart was heavy. His primary concern, as described in the Akbarnama, was for his young son, the future Emperor Akbar, who was in Kabul. He also felt a deep responsibility for the welfare of the citizens, whom he regarded as a trust from God. Despite the extreme cold, snow, and ice of winter, Humayun resolved to return immediately, turning his back on his Badakhshan campaign.

The journey back was arduous. The harsh weather conditions and the news of Kamran's strength led to desertions among the troops. Officers who had previously shown wavering loyalty found excuses to abandon the difficult march. Yet, Humayun pressed on, his determination fueled by the need to reclaim his capital and protect his son.

The Siege and a Miraculous Sign

Arriving at Kabul, Humayun laid siege to the city. The fighting was intense, with both sides engaging in skirmishes and artillery fire. Kamran, cornered and desperate, resorted to an act of shocking cruelty: he exposed the young Prince Akbar on the battlements, in the line of fire of Humayun's own guns. This was a test of his brother's resolve, forcing Humayun's gunners to cease fire lest they harm the prince.

Abu'l Fazl recounts this moment with awe, describing it as a manifestation of divine protection. The gunners' hands trembled, their arrows flew crooked, and their lintstocks (used to fire cannons) reportedly froze. To the imperial forces, this was a clear sign that the young prince was under divine guardianship, and that Kamran's wicked act would ultimately fail.

Kamran's Flight and Reunion

Despite his desperate measures, Kamran's position deteriorated. Desertions continued, and his schemes failed. Facing inevitable defeat, he eventually fled Kabul under the cover of night, seeking refuge elsewhere.

Humayun entered the city, which, from a "wilderness of rebellion," became a "pleasant home of friendliness." The most poignant moment was the reunion with his son, Akbar. The Akbarnama describes Humayun's overwhelming joy and relief, prostrating himself in thanksgiving for Akbar's safety. This reunion, after a period of separation and peril, marked a turning point, symbolizing the resilience of Humayun and the promise embodied by the young prince.

Reflection: Perseverance and Providence

The events surrounding Kamran's capture of Kabul and Humayun's return highlight the volatile nature of power and loyalty in the 16th-century Mughal world. It showcases the depths of fraternal conflict but also the unwavering loyalty of some followers and Humayun's own perseverance and capacity for forgiveness (though not always extended to the most egregious offenders).

From Abu'l Fazl's perspective, these trials were not mere setbacks but part of a larger divine plan, testing Humayun and ultimately clearing the path for the glorious reign of Akbar. The "miracle" of Akbar's protection during the siege served as a powerful symbol of his destined greatness. This episode reminds us that history is shaped not only by grand strategies and battles but also by personal relationships, moments of desperation, and the enduring human capacity for hope and resilience in the face of adversity.