Conquest of India: Babur, Sikandar Lodhi, Daulat Khan, and the Mughal Struggle for North India

Babur's persistent desire to conquer Hindustan since obtaining Kabul.

After obtaining Kabul in 1504, Babur constantly aspired to conquer Hindustan, hindered by the apprehensions of his begs and disagreements with his brothers.
From the time he obtained Kabul to his victory at Panipat, Babur never ceased thinking of the conquest of Hindustan.
Like many invaders from Central Asia, Babur was drawn to India by its wealth, considering it the land of gold and riches.
Babur's ancestor, Timur, carried away vast treasures and skilled artisans, helping him consolidate his empire.
Timur annexed areas in Punjab, which remained with his successors, giving Babur a sense of legitimate right over them.

Economic reasons for Babur's interest in Punjab.

Kabul's meagre income was insufficient for Babur's army, with expenses often exceeding income in border territories.
The historian Abul Fazl notes that Babur ruled over Badakhshan, Qandhar, and Kabul, which did not yield enough income for his army.
In some border territories, expenses on army control and administration surpassed income.
With these limited resources, Babur needed India as a refuge and base for operations against the Uzbeks.

Political climate in northwest India favoring Babur's invasion.

After Sikandar Lodi's death in 1517, Ibrahim Lodi's attempts to centralize power alarmed Afghan chiefs and Rajputs.
One powerful Afghan chief was Daulat Khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab, who was nearly an independent ruler.
Daulat Khan tried to conciliate Ibrahim Lodi by sending his son to pay homage while attempting to annex frontier tracts like Bhira.

Babur's early victories in Punjab.

In 1518-19, Babur conquered the fort of Bhira, sending demands for territory to Daulat Khan and Ibrahim Lodi, which were ignored.
Daulat Khan detained Babur's envoy at Lahore, neither granting an audience nor allowing him to approach Ibrahim Lodi.
When Babur returned to Kabul, Daulat Khan occupied Bhira and expelled Babur's agents.
In 1520-21, Babur recrossed the Indus, easily capturing Bhira and Sialkot, the twin gateways to Hindustan.
Lahore also capitulated, but Babur had to retreat due to a revolt in Qandhar.
After a year-and-a-half siege, Babur recaptured Qandhar and turned his focus back to India.

Invitation from Daulat Khan Lodi and Rana Sanga.

Daulat Khan Lodi, led by his son Dilawar Khan, invited Babur to India to displace the unpopular Ibrahim Lodi.
They suggested that Ibrahim Lodi was a tyrant with no support from his nobles.
A messenger from Rana Sanga also extended an invitation to Babur, further convincing him of the ripe opportunity to conquer Punjab.

Babur's final push to become the master of Punjab.

In 1525, while at Peshawar, Babur learned of Daulat Khan's betrayal and his army of 30,000-40,000 men.
Daulat Khan ousted Babur's men from Sialkot and marched towards Lahore.
As Babur approached, Daulat Khan's army melted away, leading to his submission and pardon.
Within three weeks of crossing the Indus, Babur became the master of Punjab.

Conquest of India: The Historical Journey of Babur