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The Battle of Khanwa (1527): Babur vs Rana Sanga and Rise of Mughal Power

The 16th century marked a major political transition in Indian history. Back then, a lot of regional kingdoms were fighting for power, and the old Delhi Sultanate was losing its grip. It was around this time that the Mughals came into the picture, led by Babur. After he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, Babur took over Delhi. But things weren’t settled yet—he still had to face a strong alliance led by the Rajput king Rana Sanga. Their showdown happened at the Battle of Khanwa on March 17, 1527, and this battle established Mughal political dominance in North India.

Historical Background

1. The Situation After Panipat

In 1526 CE, Babur won the First Battle of Panipat by defeating Ibrahim Lodi and captured Delhi and Agra. However, Babur’s political authority remained unstable.

  • The Afghan leaders were not satisfied yet.
  • The power of the Rajputs was at its peak.
  • Many rulers felt that Babur was a foreign invader.

Because of this, Babur's rule was still precarious.

2. The Rise of Rana Sanga

Rana Sanga (Maharana Sangram Singh) was the ruler of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar. He was considered the most powerful Hindu ruler in North India at that time.

  • He won several battles against Malwa, Gujarat, and the Delhi Sultanate.
  • He united Mewar, Marwar, Amer, Chanderi, and other states.
  • His objective was to establish Rajput rule over Delhi.

Rana Sanga wanted to expel Babur from India and establish Rajput supremacy.

Reasons for the War

1. Competition for Power

Babur and Rana Sanga both wanted to rule over North India. This competition for power became the primary reason for the war.

2. Political Alliances

Rana Sanga formed an alliance of various powers against Babur:

  • Mewar
  • Marwar
  • Amer
  • Afghan chieftains
  • Hasan Khan Mewati (Ruler of Mewat)

This alliance was a threat to Babur.

3. Religious and Cultural Point of View

Although the root cause of the war was political, Babur gave it a religious dimension to boost the morale of his soldiers. According to the Baburnama, he presented this conflict as a "jihad." (Source: Baburnama)

4. Babur's Vulnerable Position

Babur realized that if he lost the war to Rana Sanga, he would never be able to rule over India again. Hence, he decided to make this war a decisive one.

Battlefield and Date

Location: Khanwa (near the present-day Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, 40 km from Agra)

Date: March 17, 1527 CE

The terrain was a plain, which was ideal for artillery and warfare.

Positions of the Two Armies

Babur's Army

  • Strength: About 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers
  • Features: Modern artillery, Gunpowder-based firearms, Turkish warfare tactics (Tulughma system)
  • Leaders: Humayun, Mahmud Khan, Ustad Ali Quli

Rana Sanga's Army

  • Strength: About 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers
  • Features: Strong cavalry, Rajput bravery, and traditional warfare style
  • Allies: Hasan Khan Mewati, rulers of Marwar and Amer

Rana Sanga's army had a larger strength.

Babur's Military Strategy

1. Use of Artillery

Babur was the first to make use of organized artillery in India. This provided him with a decisive military advantage.

2. Tulughma System

In this system, the army was divided into several divisions to surround the enemy from all sides.

3. Defensive Arrangement

Babur made a wall of carts and ropes in front of his camp, which was called the "Araba system."

Major Events of the Battle

Initial Conflict

At the beginning of the battle, the Rajput army launched a fierce attack. Their cavalry shook the Mughal lines.

Middle Phase

For a brief period, Babur’s forces came under severe pressure. Rana Sanga's army was advancing.

Turning Point

It was at this point that Babur effectively utilized his artillery and the Tulughma system.

  • The roar of the cannons caused panic in the Rajput army.
  • They were surrounded from all sides.

Wounding of Rana Sanga

In the later stage of the battle, Rana Sanga suffered severe injuries and lost consciousness, which weakened Rajput morale.

Final Outcome

By evening, Babur's army had emerged victorious. The Rajput army began to retreat, and the battle ended.

Consequences of the Battle

1. Decisive Victory for Babur

The Battle of Khanwa was Babur's most illustrious victory. This battle further consolidated Babur's position in India.

2. Decline of Rajput Power

The Rajput confederacy lost strength after this battle. The Rajputs did not dare to oppose the Mughals for a long time.

3. Establishment of the Mughal Empire

The Battle of Khanwa marked the permanent establishment of the Mughal Empire in India.

Historical Significance of the Battle of Khanwa

1. Beginning of Modern Warfare

The usage of artillery and gunpowder was crucial for this battle. This was the starting point for modern warfare for India.

2. Strengthening of the Mughal

Khanwa solidified Babur's power; his victory at Panipat was temporary.

3. Shift in Power Balance in North India

The rule of the Rajputs came to an end, and the supremacy of the Mughals began.

4. Path to Administrative Development

A sound administrative system, however, developed during the Mughal period in the following years.

Historians' Perspectives

Baburnama

Babur's autobiography, "Baburnama," contains a detailed description of this battle.

Modern Historians

  • Lane-Poole
  • R.C. Majumdar
  • Satish Chandra

All of them consider Khanwa a decisive turning point in Mughal history.

Most historians believe that if Babur had lost at Khanwa, the history of India would have taken a different course.

Social and Cultural Impact

1. Cultural Synthesis

The Mughal rule initiated a blend of Persian and Indian cultures.

2. Architecture

This paved the way for later architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri.

3. Literature and Art

Persian literature and painting received patronage.

Conclusion

Khanwa solidified Babur's power as the ruler of North India and showed how effective military planning and gunpowder-based warfare could be. His skillful use of artillery and properly designed defensive arrangements was far superior to traditional methods. The Rajput confederacy was significantly weakened by this defeat, which led to a shift in the balance of power towards the Mughals. The Battle of Khanwa was therefore an important and decisive turning point in medieval Indian history.