Samarkand Once More
Chapter – 5 (Babur)
An Empire Builder of The Sixteenth Century
- After the retirement of Shaibani from Qandahar, Babur decided to officially declare himself the head of the descendants of Timur.
- Previously, his ancestors had been referred to as Mirza, even when ruling; Babur ordered to be styled Padshah, marking his claim to supremacy over the Chagatai and Mongol tribes.
- The assumption of the title Padshah was significant, asserting his leadership over all princes of the same stock, particularly the descendants of his paternal and maternal grandfathers.
- Babur’s achievements justified this claim; he had defeated the Arghuns, suppressed rebellion at home, and was firmly established in Kabul.
- However, Babur did not enjoy peace for long. While on an expedition, a formidable rebellion broke out in favor of Abdur-Razzaq, the son of the last ruler of Kabul.
- The rebellion may have been triggered by the birth of an heir to Babur, Humayun, which seemed to deprive the house of Ulugh Beg Mirza of any chance of regaining the throne.
- It was proposed that Abdur-Razzaq be made ruler of Kabul, Ghazni, Badakhshan, Qunduz, and the territories formerly held by Khosru Shah.
- As usual, the trouble began with Mongol mercenaries who had deserted Khosru Shah. They found Babur too strict, putting down plundering and demanding obedience.
- Upon returning in May 1508, Babur was warned of sedition among the troops. However, he initially dismissed the concerns, only realizing the danger when his pages and men-at-arms deserted him.