5.1 Babur (1526–1530 CE) — Founder of the Mughal Empire

5.1 Babur (1526–1530 CE) — Founder of the Mughal Empire

• Full name: Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur; descended from Timur (paternal side) and Chengiz Khan (maternal side) — hence "Mughal" (Persian corruption of "Mongol").
• Originally ruler of Ferghana (Central Asia); later captured Kabul (1504 CE); invited by Daulat Khan Lodi and Rana Sanga (among others) to invade India.
• Battle of Panipat I (21 April 1526 CE): Defeated Ibrahim Lodi (last Delhi Sultan) — Babur's decisive use of field artillery (gunpowder/cannons) and the "Tulughma" (flanking) tactics, along with carts lashed together (Ottoman-style "Araba" tactic), was key to victory despite being outnumbered.
• Battle of Khanwa (1527 CE): Defeated the powerful Rajput confederacy led by Rana Sanga of Mewar — consolidated Mughal control over North India.
• Battle of Chanderi (1528 CE) and Battle of Ghaghra (1529 CE) (against Afghan chiefs of Bihar/Bengal) — further consolidated his rule.
• Wrote his memoirs, "Baburnama" (Tuzuk-i-Baburi), in Chagatai Turkish — a valuable and vivid historical/autobiographical source.
• Died in 1530 CE at Agra; succeeded by his son Humayun.