HUMAYUN’S STRUGGLE WITH THE RISING POWERS OF NORTHERN INDIA

This paper epitomises the struggle and the defeat of Humayun by the rising powers of India. The empire whose foundation was so arduously laid by Babur was nevertheless precarious and unstable in character. As soon as Humayun ascended the throne, he found himself surrounded by the difficulties on all sides in many ways. Babur had of course, defeated the Indian powers like the Rajputs, the Afghans etc., but he could not completely crush them. Babur could not do anything more than this short period of four years. In fact, the roots of Mughal dynasty had not yet gone deep into the Indian soil and were then, of course in firm. Muhammad Lodhi, Ibharim Lodhi’s brother, had regained power in Bihar and eastern provinces after his defeat in the Battle of Gogra. Another Afghan Sardar Sher Khan had also consolidated his position considerably. Of the Afghan Sardars he was the most capable and intelligent leader, who was engaged day and night in consolidating and organising all the scattered Afghan power. On the other side, Bhadur Shah who was a very courageous and ambitious ruler had considerably improved strength, and was eagerly engaged in his effort to obtain the Delhi throne. The Rajputs too, had begun to reorganise their power after their defeats in the battles of Khanwa and Chanderi. According to Lanepoole, “His (Humayun’s) name means fortunate and never was an unlucky sovereign so miscalled’’,As a matter of fact, the royal throne that he inherited from his father as his successor, was bed of throns and not that of roses.