Kabul
Chapter – 4 (Babur)
An Empire Builder of The Sixteenth Century
- Sultan Husain Mirza Baiqara’s apathy influenced Babur’s fortunes, spurring him to take decisive action and ending his wandering life.
- Babur realized he had to rely on his own energies and foresaw that Shaibani would exploit the divisions in the House of Timur to destroy its members.
- Shaibani had taken Andijan from Tambal and was advancing on Hisar and Qunduz.
- Babur decided to remove himself from Shaibani’s proximity, seeking opportunities elsewhere.
- Babur met Amir Muhammad Bakr at Tirmiz, who was concerned about the growing power of the Uzbegs and offered to support Babur with men and money.
- Babur asked Amir Muhammad Bakr for a promising base to operate from against Shaibani, and Bakr suggested Kabul.
- Kabul had been ruled by Babur’s paternal uncle Ulugh Beg Mirza, who died in 1501, leaving his infant son, Abd-ur-Razzak Mirza, as heir.
- After Ulugh Beg’s death, Kabul fell into anarchy, with several rulers claiming power, including Zikr Beg, who was assassinated, and Muhammad Muqim.
- Muhammad Muqim had taken control of Kabul and married a daughter of the late ruler, holding his position for about two years.
- Babur, despite limited resources, was determined to regain control of Kabul, as it was vital for his house’s future.
- Babur received overtures from Mongol mercenaries in the service of Khosru Shah, who feared Shaibani’s advance and saw Babur as a safer option.
- Khosru Shah was seen as a lowborn ruler, despised by Babur, especially after the murder of Babur’s cousin Baisanghar and the blinding of his cousin Sultan Ali.
- Babur accepted the Mongols’ desertion of Khosru, who was forced to join Babur’s service, provided his life and private fortune were respected.
- Babur honored his engagement to Khosru, refusing to deliver him to Wais Mirza, who sought revenge for the injuries done to his brothers.