Humayun / Mughal Empire Humayun

Humayun / Mughal Empire Humayun

Humayun

Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun, the fortunate, was born on 6^th March A.D. 1508 at Kabul. He was the eldest of the four sons born of different mothers. Humayun was the only son of his mother Mahim sultan. By the year A.D. 1508 Babur had established himself firmly in Kabul and hence Humayun was brought up in a princely atmosphere and imparted proper education. He was not only well versed in Turki, Persian and Arabic languages but also studied religion, Philosophy, Mathematics, astronomy and fine arts. He was also trained in handling arms efficiently and holding the work of administration effectively. He actively took part in the battles of Panipat and Khanua. Owing to his efficient achievements Babur offered him the rief of Hisar Firoza and the world-famous Koh-i-noor diamond. Badakshan and Sambhal were also given to Humayun for administration before his accession and during the lifetime of his father, Babur. During his sickness Babur had declared him his successor and directed his nobles and kinsmen to be faithful and obedient to him.

Although Babur had declared Humayun his successor before his death but some of the nobles of Babur did not agree to his will as they did not hold a good opinion about Humayun because he was a pleasure-seeking lad, habitually ease-loving and addicted to opium. Hence a conspiracy was hatched by the Prime Minister of Babur, Amir Nizamuddin Ali Khalife, to install Mahdi Khwaja on the throne who was the brother-in-law of Babur and known for his brilliant military career, but the conspiracy was nipped in the bud.

Babur breathed his last on 26th December A.D. 1530 but the accession of Humayun took place on 29^th December. Generally, it was a tradition to enthrone the new king just after the death of the emperor but there was gap of three days between the death of Babur and the accession of Humayun.

During his rule over India Humayun committed a series of blunders one by one for which he had to give up his throne and loiter here and there as a homeless fugitive. He also committed several mistakes such as division of the empire among brothers and relatives and distribution of the jagirs to his officers in return of their services. As a result, he weakened his position by his own policy. He endeavored to maintain the heritage but his acts did not prove favorable to him and he had to suffer a lot in the long run.

In the mean time Humayun fought two very important battle, called the Battle of Chausa in June 26 A.D. 1539 and Battle of Bilgram or Kannuj in A.D. 1540. Humayun had to pass about fifteen years in exile after his defeat in the battle of kannauj.

The Sur Empire established by Sher Shah in India proved ephemeral. Sher shah, the arch enemy of Humayun, who forced him to exile, breathed his last in A.D. 1545. After his death his son and successor Islam shah ascended the throne. He ruled successfully for about eight years but after his death on 30^th October A.D. 1553 dissensions among the Afghans began to rise rapidly and civil war broke out among the claimants of the throne.

Hearing all this Humayun began his mach towards India in November A.D. 1554 in order to regain his lost empire. Humayun entered Delhi on 23^rd July A.D. 1555. He also established his control over Agra, Sambhal and adjacent territory and thus he once again became the rule of India after a long interval of fifteen years. Akbar was declared the prince apparent and was appointed the Governor of Punjab under the regency of Bairam Khan.

Humayun, anyhow, succeeded in getting the throne of Delhi again after prolonged ups and downs but he could not rule over India for a long time. One day at the time of sunset, the Emperor ascended the top of his library at Din Panah and stood there for a short while but when he was descending, his foot slipped and he fell down from the stairs. He received a serious head injury which caused his death just after a day of the accident on 26^th January, A.D. 1556. Akbar was at once summoned to the capitals he was nominated successor by the dying emperor.

Historians do not hold divergent opinion about the fact that Humayun was a well-educated and cultured ruler. He had many qualities of head and heart. He was well versed in Turki and Persian geography, astronomy, astrology, mathematics and Muslim theology were his dear subjects of study. As a man he had all the qualities which could rank him to be a perfect man. He was a very obedient son. He never disobeyed his father during his lifetime and after his father’s death his last words always vibrated in his ears and he treated his brothers very kindly in spite of their treacherous and wicked behavior. Humayun was also a faithful and lovable husband. As a father he was affectionate and as relative his behavior was kind and good.

Humayun was very sweet tempered and he behaved properly with everyone who came in contact with him. He as a devoted Muslim and he did not want to disturb a coreligionist when he was fighting against a non-Muslim but he was not a fanatic. Humayun was a stout young man and had a very good physique. He took part in almost all significant battles without caring for his own life. Though he had been blamed as an efficient commander but he was a capable and brave soldier.

Humayun, the fortunate, was the most unfortunate ruler who sat on the throne of Delhi and Agra. Inspite of doing well to others and making generous behavior with his brothers, he had to tumble throughout his life due to his own weaknesses. But it was his good luck that towards the end of his life, he could establish his control over India again otherwise posterity would not have known him as a significant Mughal ruler and the historians would not have include his name in history. Dr.S. Roy has aptly remarked, “With all his weaknesses and failings, Humayun has a significant place in Indian history which is not, perhaps, always duly appreciated.” Really he was immortalized in the deeds of his son Akbar the great who proved to be the most illustrious ruler among the Mughals.

Milan Tomic

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