Humayun, Tomb, Battles, Exile, Death,

Humayun, the second emperor of the Mughal Empire, was a ruler whose reign was marked by both triumphs and failures. Succeeding his father Babur, Humayun’s rule witnessed significant challenges from rival powers, forcing him into exile. Humayun had to deal with several difficulties and challenges during his reign. 

He faced a significant threat from Sher Shah Suri, who founded the Sur Empire in North India. Yet, his eventual return to power established a legacy that paved the way for the flourishing of the Mughal Empire under his son Akbar.

Who was Humayun?

Humayun, born on March 6, 1508, in Kabul (now in Afghanistan) and passing away in January 1556 in Delhi (India), was the second ruler of the Mughal Empire in India and the son of Babur (Founder of the Mughal Empire). He was more of an explorer than someone focused on strengthening his empire. Humayun ruled twice, first from 1530 to 1540 and then from 1555 to 1556.

Humayun Early Life

Humayun was Babur's eldest son. Humayun had three brothers: Kamran, Askari, and Hindal. One of Humayun's biggest mistakes was splitting up the empire among his brothers. Kabul and Kandahar were given to Kamran. Hindal and Askari received Sambhal and Alwar.

• Challenging Conditions: Humayun, though cultured, lacked his father’s military prowess. He faced financial weakness, threats from aggressive Afghans, and the ambitious Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. His brother Kamran controlled Kabul, Kandahar, and Punjab. To avoid family conflict, Humayun allowed Kamran’s hold over Punjab, honouring a promise to their father.
• Afghan Threat: The rise of Afghan power under Sher Khan in Bihar and UP led Humayun to act. In 1532, he defeated the Afghans at Daurah and besieged Chunar, but withdrew after trusting Sher Khan's loyalty—a costly mistake.
• Gujarat Campaign: While Humayun focused on building Dinpanah in Delhi, his enemies grew stronger. He eventually marched against Bahadur Shah, capturing Gujarat and Malwa, leaving them under his brother Askari.
• Reconciliation with Askari: Unable to suppress Gujarat’s rebellion, Askari headed to Agra, alarming Humayun. He abandoned Gujarat and Malwa to pursue Askari, reconciling in Rajasthan.
• Confrontation with Sher Khan: Distracted by Bahadur Shah, Humayun allowed Sher Khan to capture forts in Rohtas and Bengal. Marching to Bengal, he faced a rebellion from his brother Hindal. While distracted, Sher Khan attacked Humayun’s army, leading to a major battle at Chausa.

Humayun Battles Fought

Several important battles marked Humayun's reign, each playing a crucial role in the shaping of Mughal history. He fought the Battle of Dauhra, the Battle of Chausa, the Battle of Kanauj and the Battle of Sirhind.

• Battle of Dauhra (1532): Early in his reign, Humayun achieved a notable victory over the Afghan leader Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, asserting Mughal authority in the region. This battle showcased his ability to command despite facing numerous challenges from other regional powers.
• Battle of Chausa (1539): Humayun’s greatest rival, Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan ruler, challenged his empire. At the Battle of Chausa, Humayun suffered a devastating defeat, barely escaping with his life by crossing the Ganges River. This battle marked the beginning of Humayun’s decline in power.
• Battle of Kanauj (1540): Humayun’s decisive defeat at the Battle of Kanauj by Sher Shah Suri further weakened the Mughal Empire. Sher Shah captured Delhi, forcing Humayun into exile and marking the temporary end of Mughal rule in India.
• Battle of Sirhind (1555): The Battle of Sirhind in 1555 was a crucial confrontation in which Humayun defeated Sikandar Suri, the rebel Afghan governor of the Punjab. This victory enabled Humayun to reestablish Mughal control over Delhi and Agra, marking a significant step in restoring the Mughal Empire after years of exile and conflict.

Humayun Exile and Death

After his defeat at Kannauj in 1540, Humayun fled India, becoming a nomad. He sought refuge in Sindh and later in Iran. Shah Tahmasp of Iran provided military aid, allowing Humayun to conquer Kandahar in 1545 and reclaim Kabul from his brother Kamran by 1550. Taking advantage of conflicts among Sher Shah’s successors, Humayun captured Lahore in 1555 and, after defeating Sikandar Suri at Sirhind, regained Delhi and Agra. Six months later, he died in 1556 after a fall. Humayun was a kind, generous ruler and a student of mathematics, astronomy, and astrology, with a passion for painting and Persian poetry.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun's tomb (Maqbaera e Humayun) is the burial site of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. Empress Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum), Humayun's first wife and chief consort, commissioned the tomb in 1569-70. She chose Persian architects Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad, to design it. 

• It was the first garden-tomb in Mughal Art and architecture on the Indian subcontinent. It is located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, near the Dina-panah Citadel, also known as Purana Qila (Old Fort), which Humayun established in 1533. 
• It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at this scale. The tomb was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and has since undergone extensive restoration, which is now complete.
• The mausoleum itself is built on a high, wide, terraced platform with two-bay deep vaulted cells on all four sides. It has an irregular octagonal shape with four long sides and chamfered edges. 
• It is topped by a 42.5-meter-high double dome clad in marble and flanked by pillared kiosks (chhatris), with the central chhatris' domes adorned with glazed ceramic tiles. The centre of each side is deeply recessed by large arched vaults, with a series of smaller ones set into the facade. 
• The interior is a large octagonal chamber with vaulted roof compartments connected by galleries or corridors. The octagonal plan is repeated on the second floor.
• The structure is made of dressed stone clad in red sandstone with white and black marble borders. The 'dormitory of the Mughals' is another name for Humayun's garden tomb, which holds the remains of more than 150 members of the Mughal dynasty.

Humayun FAQs

Q1. What was Humayun famous for?

Ans. Humayun is famous as the second Mughal emperor, who initially lost and later restored the Mughal Empire in India. In 1555, Humayun defeated the Afghans and recovered the Mughal throne.

Q2. Who defeated Humayun in India?

Ans. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in the battles of Chausa (1539) and Kanauj (1540).

Q3. Did Humayun leave India?

Ans. Yes, Humayun left India after his defeat by Sher Shah Suri and spent about 15 years in exile.

Q4. Why was Humayun exiled?

Ans. Humayun was exiled after losing his empire to Sher Shah Suri in battles of Chausa and Kanauj, forcing him to seek refuge in Persia.

Q5. How did Humayun lost his empire?

Ans. Humayun lost his empire due to defeats by Sher Shah Suri, which led to his temporary exile and the loss of control over his territories.