Humayun’s Rule in India: Triumphs and Challenges

Introduction

Humayun, who ruled twice between 1530-1540 and 1555-1556, faced governance challenges following Babur’s reign. His rule saw major conquests and defeats in India, notably battles against Sher Shah Suri.

Triumphs, Tribulations, and Cultural Flourish of Humayun in India

1. Humayun’s Struggle for Authority and Survival

• Challenges of Fragmented Authority: Succeeding Babur in 1530, Humayun grappled with unconsolidated administration and financial instability amidst the rising influence of Afghans in the east.                                                       
  • His brother Kamran governed Kabul, Qandahar, and Punjab, highlighting fragmented authority and governance challenges.

• Rivals Emerged: Sultan Bahadur of Gujarat and Sher Shah Suri posed threats to Humayun’s rule.
• Strategic Alliances: Bahadur allied with the Portuguese, while Sher Shah gathered strength in Bihar.
• Humayun’s Response: He swiftly moved to counter Bahadur’s advance and succeeded in capturing forts in Gujarat.
• Struggle for Control: While dealing with Bahadur, Sher Shah attempted to seize Agra, prompting Humayun’s return.
  • Humayun’s delay in confronting Sher Shah allowed Bahadur to regain lost territories.

2. Major Conquests in India

• • Siege of Chunar [Mirzapur](1532): Humayun defeated the Afghans at Dardah and after that besieged Chunar fort (also known as the gateway of eastern India).
  • Battle of Chausa[Buxar](1539): Suffered defeat at the hands of Sher Shah Suri, narrowly escaping the battlefield.
  • Battle of Kannauj(1540): Sher Shah Suri achieved complete victory over Humayun and established an independent rule.
  • Brotherly Betrayal: Humayun’s brother Hindal rebelled, while Kamran plotted against him, exacerbating internal divisions.
    • Despite betrayals, Humayun pardoned his brothers, citing his father Babur’s last words.

• Humayun on Exile (1540-1555):

• • • Humayun left India, and during his stay in Amarkot (Sindh, Pakistan), Akbar was born in 1542.
    • Humayun then travelled to Iran, seeking assistance from its ruler, Safavid Shah.
    • Alliance with Persia: Persia aided Humayun in reclaiming Kandahar from Askari, fulfilling their agreement.
    • Reconciliation and Conflict: Kamran’s betrayal led to further conflicts, but Humayun ultimately regained control of Kabul and Kandahar.

• Fall of Sher Shah’s Dynasty: Humayun’s return coincided with the disintegration of Sher Shah’s dynasty, providing an opportunity for conquest.

• • Bairam Khan’s Leadership: Bairam Khan led successful campaigns in the Punjab, facilitating Humayun’s return to Delhi in 1555.
  • In 1556, he died due to a fall from the staircase of his library.

2. Humayun’s Rule in India

• Military and Administrative Reforms: Humayun introduced Persian governance methods, improving revenue collection and fostering Persian arts.

• Architecture:  Built a new city in Delhi named Dinapanah.

• • • Constructed the Jamali mosque and mosque of Isa Khan in Delhi. 
    • His wife, Hamida Benu Begum, started the construction of Humayun’s Tomb.

• Painting: 

• • • Founding Mughal Painting: While in Persia, Humayun laid the foundation of Mughal painting, and brought notable painters Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdal Samad to India.
    • Influence: He supported Persian-style miniature painting and architecture, leaving a lasting legacy in Mughal culture.
    • Establishing the Nigaar Khana: He founded the Nigaar Khana (painting workshop), which was also a part of his library. 

• Literature: His sister Gul Badan Begum authored “Humayun-Nama.”

• • He started the project of illustrating Hamza Nama, which was continued by Akbar.

Conclusion

Humayun’s reign marked significant developments in architecture, painting, and literature, laying the foundation for Mughal cultural achievements. Despite facing setbacks, his legacy endures through iconic monuments like Humayun’s Tomb and contributions to Mughal arts and literature.