Home > Indian History > History of India > Humayun’s War with Bahadur Shah
Humayun’s War with Bahadur Shah
Humayun’s War with Bahadur Shah, the Afghan ruler of Gujarat, is hailed an important event in the medieval history of India.

Share this Article:

HumayunHumayun`s war with Bahadur Shah, the ruler of Gujarat is an important part of the medieval history of India. Bahadur Shah had entered into treaties with a few states in India. He conquered Malwa in 1531 A.D., captured the fort of Raisen in 1532 A.D. and compelled the ruler of Mewar to accept a treaty. He was correspondence with Sher Khan and Nusrat Shah of Bengal against Humayun. He had strengthened his forces and built up strong artillery by securing the services of a Turkish gunner, Rumi Khu. He provided shelter to Muhammad Zaman Mirza and refused a return him to Humayun. He desired to capture Delhi itself and thus, was posing a threat to the Mughals. Humayun decided to settle his score with Bahadur Shah entered Malwa with this view.

Bahadur Shah had besieged the fort of Chittor, Karanwati, Rajamata of Mewar and sent a rakhi to Humayun and sought his assistance as a brother. Humayun proceeded towards Chittor but stopped at Sarangpur because he wanted to consolidate his army, win over those people of Malwa who were against Bahadur Shah and arrange for the stoppage of help coming to Bahadur Shah either from Mandu or Ahmedabad. He was suspicious of activities of the friendily states of Bahadur Shah in the south and desired to take all precautions against their activities. He did not desire to attack Bahadur Shah till he was engaged in jihad against the infidels of Mewar.

Bahadur Shah freely looted Chittor for three days whereas Humayun proceeded forward and reached Mandasor which is sixty miles from Chittor and restricted the route of return of Bahadur Shah. Bahadur Shah also reached Mandasor and instead of attacking Humayun took defensive postures. Humayun kept his army out of reach of the artillery of Bahadur Shah and stopped his supplies. Bahadur Shah felt short of supplies and his army lost its confidence. Bahadur Shah fled away without fighting during the night of 25 April 1535A.D. and took refuge in the fort of Mandu. Humayun pursued the fugitive. From Mandu, Bahadur Shah fled away to Champaner, then to Cambay and afterwards to Diu. Humayun pursued Bahadur Shah up to Cambay but then, leaving the task of pursuing Bahadur Shah he returned to besiege the fort of Champaner. It was captured by him and he got large valuables from there which he generously distributed among his followers.

By that time, entire Malwa and Gujarat had surrendered to the Mughals. It was a grand success and so were the capture of the forts of Mandu and Champaner. Humayun appointed his brother Askari as the governor of Gujarat, left Hindu Beg for his assistance and came back to Mandu. Askari, however, failed to manage the affairs of Gujarat which resulted in a revolt by the people under Inad-ul-mulk, one of the trusted officers of Bahadur Shah. Bahadur Shah himself arrived in Gujarat after some time. After a minor battle against the forces of Bahadur Shah, Askari decided to retire from the fort of Champaner. Tardi Beg, the governor of the fort, however, refused to hand over the fort and its treasure to Askari as he was suspicious of the designs of Askari. Askari, then, proceeded awards Agra. Bahadur Shah captured Champaner very soon and Tardi Beg retreated to Mandu. Thus, the whole of Gujarat was lost by Humayun to Bahadur Shah.

Fearing that Askari might capture Agra for himself, Humayun also left Mandu and proceeded towards Agra. The two brothers met in the way and Humayun was assured of the loyalty of his brother. He gracefully pardoned him and all their officers and reached Agra. Mandu was occupied by Mallu Khan in the name of Bahadur Shah. Therefore Malwa was also lost by the Mughals. Thus, within a year, both Malwa and Gujarat were lost by the Mughals. The incapability of Askari and the neglect of personal attention towards the affairs of Gujarat and Malwa by Humayun were the primary reasons of this loss of the Mughals.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.