The Battle Of Khanua 1527CE


The Mughals 16th-1 Century I - Concepts
Class - 7th Foundation NTSE Subjects
 
 
Concept Explanation
 

The Battle Of Khanua 1527CE

The Battle Of Khanua (1527CE): Rana Sanga and Daulat Khan Lodi had hoped that Babur would return to Kabul after defeating the Delhi sultan. However, having conquered Delhi, Babur decided to stay on in India In 1527CE. Rana Sanga, angered by Babur’s decision, Babur and Rana Sanga met at the Battle of Khanua near Fatehpur Sikri. Though Rana Sanga had a much large force, Babur defeated them with his use of artillery and superior military tactics.

These two victories put Babur firmly on the throne of Delhi. After defeating the Rajput’s, Babur turned east and defeated the Afghans on the banks of the river Ghagra (1529 CE). Babur now controlled an empire which stretched from Kabul to present-day Bihar. He made Delhi the capital o his empire. But Babur’s rule was a very short one, lasting only three year. Babur died in 1530CE.

Preparations of Battle: Babur knew that his army would have been swept by the Rajput charge if he tried to fight them in the open, he therefore planned a defensive strategy to form a fortified encampment where he would use his muskets and artillery to weaken his foes and then strike when their morale had shattered.Babur had carefully inspected the site. Like in Panipat, he strengthened his front by procuring carts that were fastened by iron chains (not leather straps, as at Panipat) and reinforced by . Gaps between the carts were used for horsemen to charge at the opponent at an opportune time. To lengthen the line, ropes made of rawhide were placed over wheeled wooden tripods.

The flanks were given protection by digging ditches.Foot-musketeers, falconets and mortars were placed behind the carts, from where they could fire and, if required, advance. The heavy Turkic horsemen stood behind them, two contingents of elite horsemen were kept in the reserve for the taulqama (flanking) tactic. Thus, a strong offensive-defensive formation had been prepared by Babur.

Reasons of Battle of Khanua:  Babur and Rana Sanga were ambitious for their name and face. These both were aiming to extend their kingdom on the whole India. Their ambition to become the supreme power was the main reason for this battle.

Breach of Faithfulness: Rana Sanga and Babur were blaiming each other that he had breach the agreement.

Historian says that there was a agreement between the two to maintain their boundaries. Babur accused Rana that had invited him to attack India but given no help. On the other hand Rana Sanga accused that Babur had not accepted his right over Kalpi, Agra and Dhaulpur.

Events of the Battle:  Both, Rana Sanga and Babur met at Khanua .The approximate distance was 40-50 kilometers from Delhi. The army of Babur was technical fit with Guns and Cannons. Babur had maintained his army as in the battle of Panipat . On the other hand Rana Sanga's army was lacking technology of Guns and Canons. The battle was fought for ten hours. When the battle was in its last phase and the Babur was almost to be defeated. Babur swore his army, the holy "Quran ". After this the bloody war followed resulting the defeated of Rana Sanga. History records revealed that Rana Sanga was poisoned to death by his own men.

Reasons of Babur's Victory over Rana Sanga

  • Babur was a great Diplomat. His strategies were excellent. Babur had not captured the kingdom of Agra and Delhi during the battle of Panipat. Babur was well aware that he would need much treasures to acquire Agra and Delhi.
  • Rana Sanga had underestimated the Babur power.
  • Babur given a speech to his army and declared it a holy war and named it Jihad.
  • Rana Sanga committed the mistake not to attack Babur when he new preparations.
  • Babur was a good commander. He was able to tackle the advers situation. He never lost courage in bad situation.
  • Babur's army was well disciplined even thought it was small in number. Its soldiers were experienced. On the other hand Rana Sanga's army consisted of the armies of other Rajput rulers. These armies lacked command of unity.
  • Results of the battle of Khanua

  • Battle of Panipat was the foundation and the battle was development on foundation.
  • In this battle Rajput rulers lost their superiority.
  • The power of Afghana rulers was destroyed.
  • The use of Marwar at the place of Mewar.
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    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Who lost the fierce battle of Khanwa ?

    Right Option : A
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