Humayun was the second ruler of the Mughal Empire and the son of Babur. His reign was marked by struggles, exile, and eventual restoration of the Mughal Empire. He faced defeat against Sher Shah Suri but later regained the throne with Persian support.
Basic Information on Humayun
- Full Name: Nasir-ud-din Muhammad Humayun
- Born: 6 March 1508 CE
- Birthplace: Kabul, Afghanistan
- Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty
- Father: Babur (Founder of the Mughal Empire)
- Mother: Maham Begum
- Major Battles: Battle of Chausa (1539), Battle of Kannauj (1540), Battle of Sirhind (1555)
- Religious Policy: Tolerant towards Hindus and Shias (influenced by Persian culture)
- Major Achievements: Regained the Mughal Empire after 15 years of exile, built Dinpanah in Delhi
- Death: 27 January 1556 CE (Died due to a fall from stairs in Delhi)
Humayun’s Challenges and Struggles
1. Inheritance of a Weak Empire
- Babur’s empire was not stable, and Humayun had no strong administrative system.
- Faced rebellions from Afghan and Rajput rulers.
2. War Against Sher Shah Suri (1539–1540)
Humayun faced Sher Shah Suri, an ambitious Afghan ruler, in two major battles:
- Battle of Chausa (1539) – Humayun defeated, forced to flee to Agra.
- Battle of Kannauj (1540) – Sher Shah defeated Humayun completely, leading to his exile for 15 years.
3. Exile in Persia (1540–1555)
- Humayun took refuge in Persia (Iran) under Shah Tahmasp of the Safavid Dynasty.
- Converted to Shia Islam to gain Persian support.
- Spent years planning the reconquest of India.
Restoration of the Mughal Empire (1555)
- Battle of Sirhind (1555): Humayun defeated the Afghan rulers and regained Delhi and Agra.
- Re-established Mughal rule in India after 15 years of exile.
Major Contributions of Humayun
1. Persian Influence on the Mughal Empire
- Persian culture influenced art, architecture, and administration.
- Introduced Persian court customs in India.
2. Construction of Dinpanah (Delhi)
- Started building Dinpanah (New Delhi) as a Mughal capital.
3. Expansion of Mughal Architecture
- Inspired by Persian styles, leading to the later development of Mughal architecture.
- Humayun’s Tomb (built by Akbar in Delhi) is an example of Persian influence.
4. Mughal Administrative System
- Though weak in administration, Humayun’s Persian influence helped Akbar develop a strong Mughal governance system.
Death of Humayun (1556)
- Died after falling from the stairs of his library in Delhi in January 1556.
- His sudden death led to the early coronation of Akbar at the age of 13.
Comparison: Humayun vs. Sher Shah Suri
| Feature | Humayun | Sher Shah Suri |
|---|---|---|
| Dynasty | Mughal | Suri (Afghan) |
| Religious Policy | Tolerant | Strict but fair |
| Strength | Persian support, cavalry | Strong administration, military tactics |
| Weakness | Poor administration, internal conflicts | Efficient governance, land revenue reforms |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Inherited a weak empire from Babur.
- Lost to Sher Shah Suri in 1540 (Battle of Kannauj), leading to 15 years of exile.
- Took refuge in Persia, returned with Persian support.
- Regained the Mughal Empire in 1555 (Battle of Sirhind).
- Died in 1556 after falling from the stairs in Delhi.
- Succeeded by Akbar, who solidified the Mughal Empire.
MCQs on Humayun
1. Who was the father of Humayun?
A) Akbar
B) Babur
C) Jahangir
D) Sher Shah Suri
✅ Answer: B) Babur
2. Which battle forced Humayun into exile in 1540?
A) Battle of Panipat
B) Battle of Chausa
C) Battle of Kannauj
D) Battle of Sirhind
✅ Answer: C) Battle of Kannauj
3. Where did Humayun take refuge after his defeat by Sher Shah Suri?
A) Kabul
B) Persia (Iran)
C) Bengal
D) Kashmir
✅ Answer: B) Persia (Iran)
4. How did Humayun die?
A) In battle
B) Assassination
C) Fall from the stairs
D) Poisoning
✅ Answer: C) Fall from the stairs
5. Who succeeded Humayun as the next Mughal emperor?
A) Babur
B) Akbar
C) Aurangzeb
D) Jahangir
✅ Answer: B) Akbar
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Humayun, and what were his major challenges?
- Describe the Battle of Chausa and its impact on Humayun.
- How did Persian influence shape Humayun’s reign?
- What was Humayun’s relationship with Sher Shah Suri?
- How did Humayun regain the Mughal throne in 1555?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss Humayun’s exile and return to power.
- Explain the causes and results of the Battle of Kannauj (1540).
- Compare Humayun and Sher Shah Suri in terms of administration.
- Describe the significance of Humayun’s death and Akbar’s succession.