Zahir ud-Din BABUR (r.1526-30)


Babur's Central Asian roots gave *the Mughals* a continuing urge to push the frontiers of their empire in that direction
Like much of Central Asia, Afghanistan is full of Buddhist stupas and other monuments
In 1504, Babur seized Kabul; the military intrigues of the time saw him conquer, lose, and reconquer many cities, as an ally of the Safavids of Iran
The Bala Hisar fort in Kabul, from which Babur would have left on his way to Hindustan-- probably through its "Lahori Gate"
The battle of PANIPAT in 1526 finished off the Lodhi dynasty, and won Babur a new throne; he built a commemorative mosque there to show his gratitude
Babur's coins are today very rare, especially the earliest ones
Portraits of Babur were painted to illustrate the Babur-namah, his *inimitable autobiography*, and other works-- but unfortunately, none date from his lifetime
Many such miniature paintings depicted his formal court life
Other such miniature paintings illustrated more casual moments and depicted enjoyable little marginal scenes
Babur died in Agra, but his body was taken back to Kabul for final burial



 
 == INDIAN ROUTES index == sitemap == Glossary == FWP's main page ==