The Battle of Khanwa, fought in 1527, was a crucial conflict in Indian history, marking the consolidation of Babur's power in the Indo-Gangetic plain. The roots of this battle can be traced back to the growing conflict between Rana Sanga and Ibrahim Lodi for the domination of eastern Rajasthan and Malwa. Rana Sanga, having defeated Mahmud Khalji of Malwa, extended his influence up to Piliya Khar near Agra. However, the establishment of Babur’s empire in the Indo-Gangetic valley posed a significant threat to Sanga

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• -->Despite initial defeats, Eastern Uttar Pradesh remained under Afghan domination, with chiefs ready to defy Mughal authority.


• -->Supported by Nusrat Shah of Bengal, Afghan sardars had ousted Mughal officials and extended influence up to Ivanauj.


• -->The Afghan leadership lacked a unifying figure until Mahmud Lodi, Ibrahim Lodi's brother, emerged as a rallying point.


• -->In 1529, Babur undertook a campaign to confront the combined forces of Afghan sardars and Nusrat Shah at the crossing of the river Ghagra.


• -->Babur crossed the river and forced retreats from Bengal and Afghan armies, though illness and Central Asian concerns prevented a decisive victory.


• -->Babur negotiated a treaty asserting vague suzerainty over Bihar, while leaving local governance largely to Afghan chiefs.


• -->A treaty with Nusrat Shah of Bengal stabilized Babur's eastern front, after which he returned to Agra.


• -->Shortly after, Babur passed away near Lahore on his journey towards Kabul, marking the end of his campaigns.

Key Details:

• -->Despite defeats, Afghans in Eastern Uttar Pradesh resisted Mughal rule under chiefs backed by Nusrat Shah of Bengal.


• -->Mahmud Lodi, brother of Ibrahim Lodi, emerged as a leader, challenging Babur's authority in Bihar and garnering Afghan support.


• -->Babur's campaigns in 1529 aimed at quelling Afghan-Nusrat Shah alliance, leading to Ghagra River confrontation and subsequent treaty.


• -->Babur's death near Lahore marked the end of his campaigns, leaving behind a transformed political landscape in North India.

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• -->Babur's reign reinvigorated Mughal cultural and artistic patronage, fostering a legacy of literature, gardens, and fine arts.


• -->Tuzuk-i-Baburi, his memoir, remains a classic of world literature, offering insights into contemporary arts and cultural life.


• -->Babur's affinity for gardens shaped Mughal architecture, establishing a tradition of formal garden design in India.