The Foundation of an Empire
Chapter – 7 (Babur)
An Empire Builder of The Sixteenth Century
- For the first time, Babur was able to complete the distribution of provinces and districts among his followers after the victory at Kanua.
- Before this, Babur had kept his force mobilized, but after the disappearance of open resistance, he allowed his nobles to return to their respective parganas to manage their affairs and prepare for future military operations.
- This marked the first step in the foundation of the Mughal Empire’s administration.
- Difficulties faced by Babur in administration:
- The executive machinery from the Lodi dynasty had not survived the troubles of the 15th century.
- The Lodi dynasty monarchy had been more of a hegemony, where one chief exercised power over others, often with little central control.
- Local administration was under local magnates, who did not rely on the central authority but were answerable to the nobles in their regions.
- The king’s role was limited to demanding quotas of armed men and collecting loose dues, but the local authorities were largely autonomous.
- The administration of justice was carried out by civil and religious officers appointed by the local chiefs, with the king only involved in major cases.
- In war, the sovereign was the leader, but his authority over the powerful chiefs who made up the bulk of the army was often based on his personality rather than his position.
- Bahlol Lodi, recognizing the limitations of his power, found it easier to gather an army for specific actions, as long as it aligned with the will of powerful feudatories.