Unveiling Humayun: His History, Life, and Enduring Legacy

Humayun: A Life of Contrasts

Humayun, whose name means “fortunate,” lived a life full of irony. As the second Mughal emperor, he faced countless setbacks—poor decisions, addiction, and even losing his throne—yet his story is one of resilience and legacy. Exiled for 15 years, he fought to reclaim his empire and left a powerful foundation for his son, Akbar, to build upon. Educated in Persian, Arabic, and Turki, Humayun expanded the Mughal territory and became a symbol of strength and culture. His journey proves that even in the face of misfortune, determination can leave an unforgettable mark on history.

Attribute	Details
Name	Humayun
Full Name	Mirza Nasir ud-din Baig Muhammad Khan Humayun
Reign	1530–1540, 1555–1556
Dynasty	Mughal Dynasty
Family	Son of Babur; mother: Maham Begum; wives: Hamida Banu Begum; sons: Akbar and Hindal.
Achievements	Second Mughal Emperor; regained throne after initial loss to Sher Shah Suri.
Notable Events	Defeat and exile to Persia; eventual reconquest of Delhi.

History and Background

Humayun was born in Kabul on March 17, 1508, when Babur was expanding his Empire. He went with Babur during his youth and, at 18, fought alongside him in the battle at Panipat (1526), which made the Mughal Empire. His mother, Mahim Sultana, was his only parent.

Babur had other wives who gave birth to his brothers Kamran, Askari, and Hindal. When Humayun took the throne, problems arose. Babur’s will, unfriendly family, and Afghan-Rajput hostility troubled him. Babur hadn’t established a strong rule system.

Humayun, born as Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad to Māham Begum on March 6, 1508, faced a unique situation. Babur divided his Empire between two sons, against Indian tradition.

Upon becoming emperor, Humayun’s brothers rebelled over divided lands. His brother Khalil Mirza was killed. Humayun started a tomb for him but fled to Persia due to Sher Shah’s threat, leaving it unfinished. Facing rivals like Sultan Bahadur and Sher Shah, Humayun’s first campaign against Sher Shah was interrupted by Ahmed Shah’s threat. Later, Humayun annexed Gujarat, Malwa, Champaner, and Mandu.

Bahadur Shah planned to attack with Portuguese aid, but Humayun captured Mandu and Champaner. He then consolidated his gains. Bahadur Shah recaptured Gujarat in a revolt. Similar to his father, Humayun used opium often. Bahadur Shah’s rebellion brought back Gujarat, and he attacked Malwa. In 1536, He faced a popular revolt.

1. Shah Babur: Father of humayun

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, was also Humayun’s dad. He began the Mughal Empire in India. Born on February 14, 1483, he became an emperor. Babur led his Empire from Delhi and ruled for nearly 300 years. He passed away on December 26, 1530.

Babur’s Empire included lands from Indus to Bengal. He fought to take control. 1526, his army won against the Lodi Sultanate in the Battle of Panipat. Babur made his way to Delhi. He had ancestors like Genghis Khan and Timur.

Babur’s time was mostly spent in wars. This made things tough for Humayun. The Empire had money problems. Humayun got an unstable empire from Babur. Babur’s advice for his brothers caused issues for Humayun.

2. Humayun’s Wife and Family      

Humayun Siblings

Humayun was Babur’s eldest son from Maham Begum, born on March 6, 1508, in Kabul, Mughal Empire. Babur wed Maham in 1504 in Herat, Khorasan. She was the chief queen and his favorite. Humayun had four siblings – Barbul, Mihr Jahan, Aisan Daulat, and Faruq. Sadly, they died as babies. Other siblings – Hindal Mirza and Gulbadan Begum (children of Gulbadan Begum) adopted in 1519 and 1525 by Maham Begum.

Gulbadan Begum wrote Humayun Nama. He had 5 half-brothers, including Kamran Mirza and Askari Mirza, and 8 half-sisters, including Fakhr-Un-Nisa, daughter of Babur’s wife Aisha Sultan Begum.

How many wives Humayun had?

Humayun had 8 Wives – Bega Begum, Hamida Banu Begum, Mah Chuchak Begum, Bibi Gunwar, Khanish Agha, Maywa Jan, Shad Bibi, and Chand Bibi. Akbar was Hamida Begum’s son.

Besides Akbar, he had four sons

Sons and Daughters

Daughters	Sons
Bakshi Bano	Al-aman Mirza (son of Bega Begum)
Aqiqa Sultan Begum	Mirza Muhammad Hakim (son of Maha Chuchak Begum)
Jahan Sultan Begum	Ibrahim Sultan Mirza
Fakhr-Un-Nissa	Farrukh Fal Mirza
Bakht-un-Nissa Begum
Amina Banu Begum
Sakina Banu Begum

3. Akbar

After Sher Shah Suri’s forces defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun at Chausa (1539) and Kannauj (1540), He fled to Sindh. He married Hamida Banu Begum there, and their son Akbar was born in 1542. His son Akbar spent his youth in Kabul with his uncles and aunts, learning skills like hunting and fighting. He couldn’t read or write but enjoyed listening to stories. In 1551, Humayun’s brother died, causing immense grief. Around the time nine-year-old Akbar became governor, he married Ruqaiya Sultan Begum. Humayun gave him troops and wealth. They married in Jalandhar, Punjab, at 14.

In 1555, Humayun recaptured Delhi, but shortly after, he passed away. Bairam Khan, Akbar’s guardian, hid this to ensure a smooth transition. Akbar became emperor in 1556 while battling for the throne. At 14, Bairam Khan enthroned him in Punjab. Until Akbar came of age, Bairam Khan ruled.

Born in 1542, Akbar, who reigned from 1556 to 1605, significantly expanded the Mughal Empire across India. He employed a two-pronged approach, utilizing both military might and diplomatic finesse. Akbar established a centralized administration to unify this vast territory and even fostered political alliances through marriages with conquered rulers. Furthermore, his policies aimed to please his non-Muslim subjects. He abolished discriminatory taxes and appointed them to important positions, fostering peace and stability within the religiously diverse realm.

Humayun’s Influence on Akbar

Humayun’s most significant contribution might be his influence on his son, Akbar. During his exile, he exposed Akbar to diverse cultures and philosophies, shaping Akbar’s future policies of religious tolerance and inclusivity. Akbar also witnessed the consequences of Humayun’s internal conflicts, likely influencing his own emphasis on strong, centralized rule. Humayun’s dedication to art and architecture, evident in his magnificent tomb, likely inspired Akbar’s grand building projects, culminating in the Taj Mahal. While Humayun’s reign faced difficulties, the foundation he laid through his experiences and influence on Akbar paved the way for the golden age of the Mughal Empire.

Humayun’s Administration and Policies

Humayun’s reign was marked by a struggle to establish a stable administration. His governing style, often described as lenient and trusting, contrasted with his father’s more authoritarian approach. While this fostered loyalty among some nobles, it also created opportunities for rebellions and power struggles. Despite these challenges, Humayun attempted to implement policies promoting religious tolerance and cultural integration, reflecting his exposure to Persian Safavid practices during his exile. However, the constant state of war limited the long-term impact of these policies.

Battles Fought by Humayun

Humayun’s reign was marked by several key battles, each influencing the trajectory of the Mughal Empire. 

Battle of Dauhra (1532):

Early in his rule, Humayun secured a significant victory over Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, solidifying Mughal authority in the region. This battle demonstrated Humayun’s military leadership despite facing threats from various local powers. 

Battle of Chausa (1539):

Humayun’s greatest challenge came from Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler. At Chausa, Humayun suffered a crushing defeat, barely escaping with his life by crossing the Ganges River. This loss marked the beginning of his decline. 

Battle of Kanauj (1540):

Humayun’s defeat at Kanauj by Sher Shah Suri further weakened the Mughal Empire. With Delhi captured by Sher Shah, Humayun was forced into exile, temporarily ending Mughal rule in India. 

Battle of Sirhind (1555):

In 1555, Humayun reclaimed his empire by defeating Sikandar Suri, the Afghan governor of Punjab, at Sirhind. This victory paved the way for Humayun to retake Delhi and Agra, marking the restoration of Mughal power after years of exile and struggle. 

Analyzing Humayun’s Military Strategies

Humayun’s military record is a mixed bag. He inherited a formidable Mughal army from his father, but strategic missteps often led to defeats against Sher Shah Suri’s innovative Afghan forces. However, Humayun wasn’t without his strengths. He recognized the importance of gunpowder technology and adopted mobile artillery tactics, a strategy later perfected by Akbar. His time in exile allowed him to study Safavid military strategies, emphasizing the use of musketeers and matchlock firearms. While he couldn’t secure lasting military dominance, his willingness to adapt tactics laid the groundwork for future Mughal victories.

Humayun’s Legacy and Achievements

Timurids didn’t follow the usual succession either. Babur’s death made Humayun’s rule insecure. He ruled briefly, and some nobles questioned his leadership. Some even backed his Brother-in-law, Mahdi Khwaja.

Humayun’s achievements in art and architecture were groundbreaking. He created Delhi’s first citadel, “Din Panah.” Humayun and Sher Shah Suri’s Afghans fought in the Second Afghan-Mughal War. Sher Shah Suri won, sending the Mughals away. Sher Shah then claimed Delhi and Agra. His burial place, Humayun Tomb, is in Delhi. It shows the innovation during his time. Built in the 1560s, Humayun’s Tomb is unique.

Akbar supported its creation. Persian and Indian artists worked together on this great tomb. It’s a char bagh with waterways, like paradise. Sadly, it was ruined during Shir Shah Suri’s time. Humayun laid the base for Mughal art and blended Persian art and culture. Despite expanding the kingdom, he prioritized literature and architecture. This marked the golden era of Mughal art.

Humayun, an ethical ruler, followed a policy of not attacking Muslims. He was a Sunni Muslim who liked Sufism, earning respect from Shias. He neglected Hindu temples, showing bias. Cruel half-brother Kamran Mirza sought the throne violently. His inexperience pleased Delhi’s people. He lost to Sher Shah Suri in battle.

His burial site, Humayun’s Tomb, reflects his innovation. After the exile, he reclaimed Delhi’s throne, restoring Mughal glory. He was a devoted son, loving husband, caring father, and kind relative. He cherished humanity and learning, embodying a gentleman. Despite bravery, he lacked leadership, causing issues. His excessive generosity weakened him, as noted by Lane-Poole.

Akbar expanded the Mughal Empire through diplomacy and marriage. He unified through central administration, earning non-Muslims’ support by removing taxes and granting high posts.

The Complex Relationship Between Kamran Mirza and Humayun

The relationship between Kamran Mirza and Humayun, half-brothers and rivals for the throne of the Mughal Empire, was a defining chapter in Indian history. Their tumultuous rivalry had far-reaching consequences for the Mughal dynasty and the course of Mughal rule in India.

Kamran Mirza, Humayun’s younger brother, repeatedly betrayed him in his quest for power. Despite these betrayals, Humayun consistently demonstrated remarkable forgiveness, even going so far as to cede the entire province of Punjab to Kamran.

However, Kamran’s ambition and treachery knew no bounds. Once in control of Punjab, he misused his military power to obstruct Humayun’s path to Delhi. This act of defiance effectively cut off Humayun’s supply lines and posed a significant threat to his rule.

Historians have condemned Humayun’s decision to grant Punjab to Kamran, labeling it as a fatal mistake. Some even consider it a suicidal attempt that ultimately weakened Humayun’s position and prolonged the Mughal Empire’s internal struggles.

The rivalry between Kamran Mirza and Humayun serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of misplaced trust. Their story highlights the complexities of power, loyalty, and the human condition.

Humayun’s Religious Policies

• Adherence to Sunni Islam: Humayun was a devout Sunni Muslim.
• Inclination Towards Sufism: He displayed a preference for Sufi Islamic practices.
• Policy Against Attacking Muslim Rulers: Humayun declared a policy of not attacking other Muslim rulers, promoting religious tolerance within the Muslim community.
• Destruction of Hindu Temples: Despite his efforts for religious harmony, there were instances of Hindu temples being destroyed during his reign.
• Contradictions and Biases: Humayun’s religious policies were not entirely consistent. His actions and decisions suggest potential biases towards the Muslim community.
• Legacy: Humayun’s religious policies reflect the complex interplay of religious beliefs, political considerations, and historical circumstances during his reign.

The Splendor of Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Mughal era. Nestled in the heart of Delhi, India, this mausoleum is the eternal abode of Emperor He, the second Mughal emperor. Here are some key highlights:

• Historical Significance: The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife, Empress Bega Begum, also known as Haji Begum, in 1556, marking it as a significant historical landmark.

• Architectural Marvel: The tomb’s construction, which spanned from 1565 to 1572, showcases the architectural brilliance of the renowned Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas.

• Design Inspiration: The design of Humayun’s Tomb draws inspiration from Persian and Central Asian architectural styles, blended with elements of Timurid and Mughal aesthetics.

• Architectural Precursor: The tomb set the stage for the grandeur of later Mughal architectural masterpieces, including the iconic Taj Mahal.

• Garden Layout: The tomb complex is set within a large garden, divided into four squares, symbolizing the Islamic concept of paradise.

• Mausoleum Structure: The mausoleum, made primarily of red sandstone with white marble accents, houses the cenotaph of Emperor Humayun, while the actual burial chamber lies beneath it.

• Architectural Features: The tomb’s architecture is characterized by its double dome, high arches, chhatris (pavilions), intricate decorative work, and delicate inlay of marble and tile work.

• Artistic Adornments: The geometric patterns, calligraphy, and ornamental designs that adorn the walls and façade are exquisite examples of Mughal craftsmanship.

Humayun Death and Circumstances

Sister Gulbadan Begum wrote about Humayun’s death in her book Humayunnama. On January 24, 1556, He decided to meet people. He took rose water and opium. Afternoon came, and some folks arrived from Hajj. He called them to the rooftop library of the palace.

The roof was where he met them, so he could also be seen by those praying nearby. After talking with the visitors, Humayun talked to his mathematician. He asked when Venus would be in the sky and thought it was special. He planned to promote people in the Empire on that day.

The weather was very cold that January day, with strong wind. Humayun began to descend the stairs. Suddenly, the mosque’s call to prayer echoed. Humayun, a religious man, tried to sit upon hearing it. His foot got stuck, causing him to slip and hit his head fatally. Blood flowed from his right ear due to a deep injury, leading to his passing.

How Did Humayun Die?

Humayun’s reign was tragically cut short by a fatal accident in January 1556. Modern historians believe it was a misfortune rather than a malicious plot. Accounts from his loved ones, including his half-sister Humayun-Nama and his attendant Tazkirat-ul-Waqiat, make no mention of foul play. He reportedly suffered a head injury from a fall and succumbed to it after a few days. This unexpected event left his son, Akbar, to inherit the Mughal throne.

Was Humayun a good ruler?

Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, had a complex reign. He was more of an adventurer than a consolidator of his empire. While he was known to be a kind and generous human being, he was not a good general or warrior. He loved painting and used to write poetry in the Persian language. However, he was neither a capable commander nor a diplomat. Despite these challenges, he managed to regain his throne after a period of exile.

Conclusion

• This is the story of Humayun and his time as ruler. His half-brother, Kamran Mirza, was mean and always tried to hurt him. Kamran wanted to hurt his family because he didn’t become the Mughal leader.
• He fought against Sher Shah Suri, but he lost. Delhi’s first grand mausoleum was Humayun’s Tomb, a start before the Taj Mahal.
• He ruled from 1458 to 1461. He chose Mahmud Gawan as Prime Minister. But he lacked vital leadership skills, causing problems. Despite his kindness and bravery, his rule struggled. This marked a dry period for the early Mughals.

Also Read:-

Birbal: Mughal Empire, Akbar’s Adviser, and Poet

Who was the last Mughal Emperor | Bahadur Shah

Babur: Founder of the Mughal Empire, Reign, and More

Frequently Asked Questions: