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Y211: The Rise and Decline of the Mughal Empire in India 1526–1739

The foundation of the Mughal Empire and its rulers 1526–1556: wars and instability under Humayun

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit group 2

Overview

Recall questions on wars and instability under Humayun, links between Humayun and Persia, the Afghan interlude, the Suri Dynasty under Sher Shah and Islam Shah.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Who and when

What did Humayun gain from his connection with Persia?

Key term

What did the Mughals owe to Sher Shah?

Key term

Which two defeats drove Humayun out of India?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Explain what the Baburnama is.

    Model answer

    It is Babur's own memoir, written in Chaghatai Turkish, an unusually candid record of his campaigns, his court and his observations of India that remains the main source for his reign.

  2. 2

    Why was Humayun's position unstable after 1530?

    Model answer

    He had to share the inheritance with his brothers Kamran, Askari and Hindal under Timurid custom, and Kamran's hold on Kabul and the Punjab denied him his best troops, while he faced simultaneous threats from Gujarat and from the rising Afghan power in the east.

  3. 3

    Which two defeats drove Humayun out of India?

    Model answer

    Sher Shah beat him at Chausa in 1539 and again at Kannauj in 1540, after which Humayun fled through Sind into exile.

  4. 4

    What did Humayun gain from his connection with Persia?

    Model answer

    Shah Tahmasp gave him refuge and troops in return for his acknowledgement of Shia observance, which enabled him to take Kandahar and Kabul from his brother, and Persian artists who joined him there founded the Mughal painting studio.

  5. 5

    What is meant by the Afghan interlude?

    Model answer

    It is the period from 1540 to 1555 when the Mughals were expelled from India and the Afghan Suri dynasty ruled the north from Delhi.

  6. 6

    Identify Sher Shah.

    Model answer

    Born Farid and known as Sher Khan, he was an Afghan noble from Bihar who took the title Sher Shah after seizing power in 1540 and ruled northern India until his death in 1545.

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