Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur (February 14, 1483 – December 26, 1530), founder of the Mughal Empire in India, was a Timurid prince known for his military prowess, cultural patronage, and memoir Baburnama. Born in Andijan, Fergana Valley (modern Uzbekistan), to a Chagatai Turkic family, he overcame early losses to establish a dynasty blending Persian, Turkic, and Indian influences.
Born: 14 February 1483 in Andijan, Fergana Valley (modern Uzbekistan).
Appearance: Medium to slightly above-average height (estimated 5'8" to 5'10" or ~173–178 cm), lean and athletic build in youth, muscular from constant warfare and horse-riding. He had a fair complexion (typical of Timurid nobility), sharp features, a prominent nose, thick beard (often well-groomed), and expressive eyes. In later years he grew heavier and developed a noticeable belly due to age and lifestyle.
Family: Son of Umar Shaikh Mirza II (Timurid prince) and Qutlugh Nigar Khanum (descendant of Genghis Khan).
Attitude: Courageous, ambitious, deeply aware of his Timurid heritage.
Habits: Loved poetry, music, and nature from childhood.
Health: Generally robust, though later life records mention fevers and fatigue.
Struggles for Power (1494–1504)
1494 (Age 11): Became ruler of Fergana after his father’s death in a pigeon house accident.
1496–1497: Briefly captured Samarkand but lost it soon after.
1499–1501: Faced repeated defeats, showing resilience and persistence.
Appearance & Attitude: Youthful, energetic, but burdened by responsibility.
Family: Married Aisha Sultan Begum in 1499 (later divorced).
Kabul Years (1504–1526)
1504: Captured Kabul, establishing a strong base.
1506–1509: Married Maham Begum, Zainab Sultan Begum, and Masuma Sultan Begum (several wives died young).
Habits: Passionate about gardens—introduced Persian-style gardens in Kabul.
Attitude: Balanced warrior and aesthete; wrote poetry in Turkish and Persian.
Health: Endured hardships of mountain campaigns, but remained active.
Family: Children included Humayun (born 1508), who later succeeded him.
Indian Campaigns (1519–1526)
1519–1525: Series of raids into India, testing strength of Delhi Sultanate.
Appearance: Described as modest in dress, preferring simple clothes over royal finery.
Attitude: Strategic, patient, and determined to establish a lasting empire.
Habits: Enjoyed hunting, drinking wine occasionally, and composing verses.
Establishment of Mughal Empire (1526–1530)
1526: Defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat, founding the Mughal Empire.
1527: Victory at Khanwa against Rajput confederacy led by Rana Sanga.
1529: Defeated Afghans at Ghaghra, consolidating power.
Appearance & Attitude: By now mature, reflective, and modest in demeanor.
Habits: Continued writing Baburnama, recording battles, flora, fauna, and personal feelings.
Health: Suffered from bouts of illness, possibly due to stress and lifestyle.
Family: Deeply attached to Humayun, whom he named successor.
Final Years (1530)
Died: 26 December 1530 in Agra, aged 47.
Burial: Initially in Agra, later moved to Kabul (Gardens of Babur).
Legacy: Remembered as a warrior-poet, lover of gardens, and founder of a dynasty that ruled India for over 300 years.
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