The Training of a Warrior
Chapter – 2 (Babur)
An Empire Builder of The Sixteenth Century
- Babur began his adventurous career as a prince, preparing for an attack on Samarkand in 1497.
- He kept his plans a secret from Sultan Baisanghar and, in May, 1497, set off for Samarkand, leaving Auzun Hasan and Ali Dost Taghai in charge of Andijan.
- Sultan Baisanghar was surprised by Babur’s sudden attack while preparing for his brother Sultan Ali’s renewed assault.
- Baisanghar retreated in confusion and barely escaped, as a Parghana column attacked his rear, causing severe losses and capturing much spoil.
- Babur joined forces with Sultan Ali and advanced towards Samarkand, capturing Shiraz and gaining more support from Baisanghar’s men, particularly Mongols.
- Babur disliked these soldiers of fortune and used them as an example of discipline, ordering the execution of those who had mistreated village elders.
- Babur’s army had strict discipline, demonstrated when they immediately restored plundered goods after a sudden alarm, ensuring nothing was kept from the rightful owners.
- Babur’s forces laid siege to Samarkand, frequently skirmishing with the garrison and gaining the upper hand.
- A deceitful message led to a trap in the Lovers’ Cave, where a small detachment of Babur’s best troops was ambushed and destroyed by the enemy.
- The siege continued during the hot weather, and the garrison’s situation became increasingly dire as they were confined to the city walls.
- Sultan Baisanghar, in desperation, called for help from Shaibani Khan, the governor of Turkistan.