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Babur, Humayun & Sher Shah

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1

Learn the Concept

All

The early Mughal period opens with three intertwined careers: Babur (1526–30), who founded the Mughal Empire; his son Humayun (1530–40, 1555–56), who lost and regained the throne; and the brilliant Afghan Sher Shah Suri (1540–45), who dispossessed Humayun and built, in just five years, a model administration. Fix the significance: Babur's victory at the First Battle of Panipat (1526) ended the Delhi Sultanate and introduced gunpowder warfare to north India; Sher Shah's revenue, currency and road reforms became the foundation of later Mughal administration; and Humayun's eventual restoration (1555) re-established the dynasty that Akbar would make an empire.

In One Line
  • Babur: Timurid-Chagatai prince of Farghana; won Panipat (1526), Khanwa (1527, v. Rana Sanga), Ghaghra (1529); wrote the Baburnama (Turki).
  • Humayun: lost to Sher Shah at Chausa (1539) and Kannauj/Bilgram (1540); exiled to Persia; recovered Delhi 1555; died 1556 falling from his library stairs.
  • Sher Shah Suri: Afghan ruler (Sur dynasty); model land-revenue (zabti), silver rupiya, Grand Trunk Road, sarais; built Rohtas fort and his tomb at Sasaram.
Glossary (define-on-first-use)
  • Tulughma: the flanking cavalry tactic Babur used at Panipat; with araba (carts) and field guns (the Rumi/Ottoman device).
  • Baburnama: Babur's candid autobiography, written in Chagatai Turki.
  • Zabti / Rai: Sher Shah's system of measuring land and fixing the state's share (about one-third) in cash, using a standard schedule of crop rates (rai).
  • Patta & qabuliyat: the title-deed given to the peasant and the deed of agreement he signed, specifying his dues.
  • Rupiya & dam: Sher Shah's standard silver (rupiya) and copper (dam) coins.

1. Babur & the founding of the empire

  • Babur, a Timurid prince descended from Timur and Chinggis Khan, ruled Farghana and Kabul before invading India. At the First Battle of Panipat (1526) he defeated Ibrahim Lodi using field artillery and the tulughma tactic, founding the Mughal Empire.
  • He then defeated Rana Sanga's Rajput confederacy at Khanwa (1527), the Afghans at Chanderi (1528) and Ghaghra (1529). A cultured man, he left the Baburnama, a frank memoir. He died in 1530, succeeded by Humayun.

2. Humayun's loss & exile

  • Humayun inherited an unconsolidated empire and troublesome brothers. He faced the rising Afghan Sher Khan (Sher Shah), who defeated him at Chausa (1539) and decisively at Kannauj/Bilgram (1540), driving him into exile in Persia (Safavid court).

3. Sher Shah Suri's administration

  • As ruler (1540–45), Sher Shah built a remarkably efficient state in five years. His land revenue system measured land (zabti), classified it, and fixed the state share (about one-third) in cash using a crop-rate schedule (rai); each peasant got a patta and signed a qabuliyat.
  • He issued the standard silver rupiya and copper dam, reformed the sarkars and parganas, built and repaired the Grand Trunk Road (Sonargaon to the north-west) with sarais (rest-houses) and shade trees, improved the postal system, and maintained a disciplined army with branding (dagh). He built Rohtas fort and his famous tomb at Sasaram; Purana Qila in Delhi is linked to him.

4. Humayun's restoration

  • After Sher Shah's death (1545) the Sur dynasty weakened. With Safavid help, Humayun recovered Delhi in 1555. But he died within months in 1556, falling down the stairs of his library (Sher Mandal). His tomb in Delhi is an architectural landmark. His young son Akbar succeeded under the regency of Bairam Khan.
BattleYearResult
First Panipat1526Babur defeats Ibrahim Lodi
Khanwa1527Babur defeats Rana Sanga
Ghaghra1529Babur defeats the Afghans
Chausa1539Sher Shah defeats Humayun
Kannauj (Bilgram)1540Sher Shah drives Humayun into exile
Key Facts to Remember
  • Babur = Panipat (1526), Khanwa (1527), Ghaghra (1529); Baburnama in Turki; tulughma + artillery.
  • Humayun lost at Chausa (1539) & Kannauj (1540); exiled to Persia; regained Delhi 1555; died 1556.
  • Sher Shah = zabti revenue, patta/qabuliyat, silver rupiya & copper dam, Grand Trunk Road, sarais.
  • Sher Shah's monuments: Rohtas fort, tomb at Sasaram, Purana Qila.
  • His reforms became the model for Akbar's administration.
Connect the Dots
  • Sayyid & Lodi dynasties: Panipat 1526 ended the Lodi Sultanate (earlier leaf).
  • Akbar: inherited and extended Sher Shah's revenue model (next leaf).
  • Mughal administration & economy: the zabti/dahsala system descends from Sher Shah.
  • Indo-Islamic architecture: Humayun's Tomb, Sher Shah's tomb at Sasaram.
2

Prepare for the Exam — Prelims

Prelims

Tested on battle↔year↔result, Sher Shah's reforms (rupiya, GT Road, patta/qabuliyat), the Baburnama, and Humayun's exile/restoration dates.

High-probability areas
  • Panipat (1526), Khanwa (1527), Ghaghra (1529) = Babur.
  • Chausa (1539), Kannauj/Bilgram (1540) = Sher Shah v. Humayun.
  • Sher Shah: rupiya & dam, GT Road, sarais, zabti, patta/qabuliyat.
  • Baburnama in Turki; Humayun regained Delhi 1555, died 1556.
  • Sher Shah's tomb = Sasaram; Rohtas fort; Purana Qila.
Common traps
  • The rupiya & GT Road are Sher Shah's, not Akbar's.
  • Khanwa (1527) was against Rana Sanga, not the Lodis.
  • Humayun died falling from his library stairs (Sher Mandal).
  • Baburnama is in Chagatai Turki (later translated to Persian).
Revision tip: fix the five battles with years as your spine for this leaf.
2

Prepare for the Exam — Mains

Mains

GS Paper I (early Mughal/Sur period). The examiner rewards assessing Sher Shah's administration and the reasons for Humayun's failure.

Likely question types
  • Sher Shah was the forerunner of Akbar. Discuss. (15)
  • Examine the land-revenue system of Sher Shah. (15)
  • Why did Humayun lose his empire to Sher Shah? (10)
  • Assess Babur's achievements as the founder of the Mughal Empire. (10)
Dimensions to cover
  • Military: Panipat tactics, gunpowder.
  • Administrative: Sher Shah's revenue, roads, coinage.
  • Personal: Humayun's weaknesses & circumstances.
  • Legacy: Sher Shah → Akbar.
Value-additions
  • Cite patta/qabuliyat and the rupiya.
  • Quote the Baburnama for Babur.
  • Note Humayun's brothers and lack of resources.
3

How to Write the Answer

Mains
Worked example — decoding the question

"Sher Shah Suri was the forerunner of Akbar." Discuss. (15)
"Discuss" = show how his reforms prefigured the Mughal system.

Introduction · ~20%
Introduce Sher Shah's five-year reign and the thesis that Akbar built on his foundations.
Body · ~60%
Revenue (zabti, patta/qabuliyat, cash assessment) → Akbar's dahsala; coinage (rupiya, dam) kept by the Mughals; sarkars/parganas; GT Road & sarais; disciplined army. Note continuities and differences.
Conclusion · ~20%
Akbar's famed administration rested substantially on Sher Shah's blueprint.
10-mark: ~150 words · ~7 min
15-mark: ~250 words · ~12 min
Common mistakes
  • Crediting the rupiya/GT Road to Akbar.
  • Confusing Chausa and Kannauj.
  • Ignoring Sher Shah's short five-year span.
Model opening line: "In five short years Sher Shah drew the blueprint that Akbar would build an empire upon."
4

Prelims Questions

Prelims

30 interactive MCQs — previous-year questions are included and tagged with their year. Select an answer for instant feedback and an explanation; your score is tracked and you can review wrong answers at the end.

Practice set
Question 1 of 30
0/0
Score
5

Mains Questions

Mains

15 mains questions — previous-year questions are included and tagged. Write a full answer, then click Evaluate My Answer for paragraph-level feedback. Reveal the model structure after you attempt.

15 marks · ~250 words · ~11 min
'Sher Shah Suri was the forerunner of Akbar.' Discuss.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

15 marks · ~250 words · ~11 min
Examine the land-revenue system of Sher Shah Suri.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
Why did Humayun lose his empire to Sher Shah?
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
Assess Babur's achievements as the founder of the Mughal Empire.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
Discuss the significance of the First Battle of Panipat (1526).
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

15 marks · ~250 words · ~11 min
Describe the administrative reforms of Sher Shah Suri.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
Evaluate the Baburnama as a historical source.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
How did Humayun recover his throne in 1555?
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

15 marks · ~250 words · ~11 min
Analyse the role of gunpowder and tactics in Babur's victories.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
Discuss Sher Shah's contribution to roads, trade and communications.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
Assess Babur's victory at Khanwa against Rana Sanga.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

15 marks · ~250 words · ~11 min
Trace the fortunes of the Mughal dynasty from 1526 to 1556.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
Describe Sher Shah's currency reforms.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

10 marks · ~150 words · ~7 min
Examine the causes of the downfall of the Sur dynasty.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

15 marks · ~250 words · ~11 min
Compare the military methods of Babur and the administrative genius of Sher Shah.
Evaluate My Answer
Model answer structure

Intro: define the key term and give a one-line context hook.
Body 1: conceptual / historical basis with a named fact, date or example.
Body 2: evidence and analysis — sites, inscriptions, coins, archaeologists.
Body 3: limitations or the counter-view (balanced).
Conclusion: a specific, reasoned judgment / way forward.

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