Through the Desert to Sind: Humayun's Journey of Hardship and Loss
Published on 4/17/2025
The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's monumental history of Emperor Akbar's reign, doesn't shy away from the challenging periods faced by his predecessors. Following the devastating defeat at Kanauj in 1540, Emperor Humayun's path was one of immense hardship and uncertainty. Stripped of his Indian territories and facing disunity among his brothers and nobles, he turned towards the region of Sind, seeking refuge and a new base from which to rebuild his fortunes.
The Arduous Journey
The journey to Sind was far from easy. The text describes Humayun and his small band of loyal followers traversing a harsh desert landscape. Water and provisions were scarce, and the path was guided more by endurance and reliance on divine providence than by clear routes or maps. This period tested the resolve of the Emperor and his companions, highlighting the stark reality of their situation after the loss of their empire.
Arrival in the Land of the Indus
Eventually, the weary travelers reached the territory of Bhakkar in Sind, near the town of Uc (pronounced Ooch). Here, they hoped to find respite and perhaps support from the local rulers, Sultan Mahmud (governor of Bhakkar) and his master, Mirza Shah Husain Arghun of Tatta. However, the reception was cautious and ultimately uncooperative. Sultan Mahmud, bound by loyalty to Shah Husain, fortified Bhakkar and withheld supplies, while Shah Husain himself engaged in diplomatic maneuvering rather than offering genuine assistance.
A Moment of Profound Loss
Amidst these political and logistical challenges, the Akbarnama records a deeply personal tragedy. While encamped near Uc, a revered figure in Humayun's entourage, the Amir Sayyid Muḥammad Bāqir Husainī, passed away. The text describes him as "the frontispiece of Sayyids and of the 'Ulamā of the age," signifying his high status both as a descendant of the Prophet and as a scholar. His death was a significant blow, and Humayun is said to have grieved deeply. The Sayyid was buried at Uc, a place already known for its spiritual significance.
This event, though seemingly a personal loss, is presented in the Akbarnama with a deeper resonance. Humayun's reaction, displaying "that resignation to the Divine command which is the ornament of those whose regard is fixed on the station of submission (maqām-i-taslīm)," connects his personal sorrow to a core Islamic concept. Taslim is the acceptance of God's will, a virtue highly valued in Sufi thought, which influenced the Mughal court. In the face of overwhelming worldly adversity, Humayun's spiritual composure is highlighted as a mark of his character and perhaps a source of inner strength.
Challenges Mount in Sind
The period in Sind proved to be one of continued frustration. The lack of full cooperation from Shah Husain Arghun, coupled with the persistent disunity and wavering loyalty among Humayun's own brothers (Mirzas Hindal and Yadgar Nasir Mirza), meant that the hoped-for recovery never materialized there. Instead, the stay in Sind became another chapter in Humayun's exile, marked by difficult negotiations, skirmishes, and the constant struggle for resources.
Reflection on Hardship
The Akbarnama's account of Humayun's time in Sind, including the poignant detail of Sayyid Muḥammad Bāqir Husainī's death, serves not just as a historical record but as a narrative illustrating the trials faced by the Emperor. These hardships, viewed through the lens of Abu'l Fazl's philosophy, were perhaps seen as necessary tests, refining Humayun and preparing the ground for the eventual return of the dynasty's fortunes and the glorious reign of his son, Akbar. The loss of a respected spiritual guide and the Emperor's response of taslim underscore the blend of worldly struggle and spiritual reflection that characterized this challenging phase of Mughal history.