Friday, September 11, 2020
Humayun's life and ascension:
Humayun, full name Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad Humayun, was the second ruler of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent, following his father Babur.
Here is an overview of his life and ascension:
Early Life:
Birth: Humayun was born on March 6, 1508, in Kabul, which was a part of Babur's expanding empire in present-day Afghanistan.
Education: He received an excellent education in various fields, including literature, art, science, and military strategies.
Ascension to the Throne:
Succession: After the death of his father Babur in 1530, Humayun ascended to the throne of the Mughal Empire at the age of 22.
Challenges: Humayun faced immediate challenges from regional rulers and his brothers who contested his rule.
Early Reign and Challenges:
Struggles: Humayun's early years of rule were marked by continuous struggles to maintain and expand his kingdom. He faced opposition from Afghan chieftains and regional rulers.
Defeat and Exile: In 1540, he suffered a significant defeat against the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, leading to his exile from the empire.
Exile and Return:
Years in Exile: Humayun spent nearly fifteen years in exile, wandering through Persia and seeking support from various rulers to reclaim his throne.
Support from Safavid Empire: With the help of the Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp I of Persia, Humayun gathered an army to reclaim his empire.
Return to Power and Later Reign:
Battle of Panipat (1556): In 1555, with Persian aid, Humayun successfully recaptured Delhi from the Suri dynasty. However, his reign was short-lived, as he died in 1556, shortly after his victory.
Architectural Legacy: Despite his relatively short reign, Humayun is known for his interest in art and architecture. He commissioned the construction of several significant buildings, including Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, which later became a model for Mughal architectural style.
Death:
Passing: Humayun died on January 27, 1556, shortly after falling down the stairs of his library in Sher Mandal, Delhi.
Succession: After his death, his son Akbar, who was just 13 years old at the time, succeeded him as the third Mughal Emperor.
Humayun's life was marked by challenges, defeats, and exile, but his dynasty continued under the able rule of his son Akbar, who went on to become one of the greatest Mughal emperors, expanding the empire significantly and establishing stability and prosperity in the region.