Babur

Birth

Feb 14, 1483

Babur was born in Andijan, Uzbekistan, where he would later become the founder of the Mughal Empire and a very strong military leader. Babur's father, Umar Shaikh Mirza II, was the ruler of the Fergana Valley and a descendant of Timur. His mother, Qutlugh Nigar Khanum, was a princess of Moghulistan by birth and a descendant of Genghis Khan. Right away, Babur was born into a wealthy and powerful family with a history of ruling empires.

Interesting Fact

1495

Babur ascended to the throne of Fergana (now in Uzbekistan) in 1495, at the age of twelve.

Mughal Empire

1526

Babur founded the Mughal Empire and set the foundation for the next generations to come. For example, his grandson, Akbar, was the one who brought together the strong empire. The Mughal Empire accepted all cultures and was very religiously tolerant. In addition, Akbar created an agricultural tax system that supported the empire's wealth. The Mughal Empire remained peaceful and financially stable for the next 300 years.

Battle of Panipat

Apr 26, 1526

Babur set on foot in November of 1525 to meet Ibrahim at Panipat: fifty miles north of Delhi. Babur's army had a total of 12,000 troops versus Ibrahim's army with a total of 100,000 troops. Babur was able to win the war using his brilliant tactics which made him a very powerful leader. After this victory, Babur went on to start the Mughal Empire and made him more powerful.

Ram Bagh

May 4, 1526

Babur's first action after winning the Battle of Panipat was to lay a garden out, known as the Ram Bagh, in Agra. Babur loved nature and he created many gardens to show his passion. These gardens demonstrate Babur's lasting effects on the subcontinent of India.

Battle of Khanua

Mar 16, 1527

Rana Sanga approached Babur's army in Khanua with 100,000 horses and 500 elephants after hearing he was not retiring from his position as leader. Babur surrounded by Rana Sanga's army, used his customary tactics (a barrier of wagons for his center, with gaps for the artillery and for cavalry sallies, and wheeling cavalry charges on the wings) to hold off the army. His powerful tactics and the strong army forced Ranga Sanga to pull back his army after ten hours.

Death

Dec 26, 1530

In 1530, Babur became very ill and passed down the power of the Mughal Empire to his son Humayun. Humayun went on to build up the Mughal Empire with his son, Akbar, to create an empire that lasted 300 years.