Who was Humayun? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Indian Celebrities Born In March

Also Known As: Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad, Nasir-ud-Din Muḥammad Humayun

Died At Age: 47

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Hamida Banu Begum

father: Babur

siblings: Gulbadan Begum

children: Akbar, Al-aman Mirza, Bakshi Banu Begum

Born Country: Afghanistan

Emperors & Kings Indian Men

Died on: January 27, 1556

place of death: Delhi, India

City: Kabul, Afghanistan

Recommended For You

1

What is the significance of Humayun's Tomb?

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. It is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.
2

How did Humayun regain the Mughal Empire after losing it to Sher Shah Suri?

After being defeated by Sher Shah Suri, Humayun sought refuge in Persia and formed alliances that helped him regain the Mughal Empire. With the support of the Safavid dynasty, he recaptured Delhi in 1555.
3

What was Humayun's relationship with his son Akbar?

Humayun had a close relationship with his son Akbar, who later became one of the greatest Mughal emperors. Akbar succeeded his father after Humayun's death and went on to expand the empire and implement various reforms.
4

How did Humayun die?

Humayun died in 1556, after falling down a flight of stairs in his library. He suffered serious injuries and succumbed to his wounds a few days later. His death paved the way for his son Akbar to ascend the throne.
5

What was Humayun's legacy in the Mughal Empire?

Humayun is remembered for laying the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India. Although his reign was marked by challenges and setbacks, his efforts paved the way for the golden age of the Mughal Empire under his son Akbar.

Recommended Lists:

Indian People

Indian Emperors & Kings

Indian Historical Personalities

Childhood & Early Life

Humayun was born on March 17, 1508, in Kabul, Mughal Empire (present-day Afghanistan), to Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty and his wife Maham Begum. He had several siblings; many of his brothers and half-brothers would become his bitter rivals in future.

He received an upbringing typical for princes of his stature. He learned Turki, Arabic, and Persian and was interested in mathematics, philosophy, and astrology. He also received military training and was appointed governor of Badakhashan at the age of 20.

He proved his bravery as a young governor and fought at Panipat and Khanwa, two decisive battles in Indian history. His father ensured that he was trained as an administrator and a warrior.

Continue Reading Below

Accession & Reign

Babur died and Humayun ascended to the throne on December 26, 1530, as the second emperor of the Mughal dynasty. He faced bitter rivalry from his brothers, and also faced threat from other rulers such as Sultan Bahadur and Sher Shah Suri (Sher Khan). His half-brother Kamran treacherously took the Punjab and the Indus Valley.

During the initial years of his reign, both his major rivals extended their territories. Sultan Bahadur planned to attack Humayun’s territories, but Humayun acted quickly and went on to capture the forts of Mandu and Champaner, forcing Bahadur to take up refuge with the Portuguese. Bahadur eventually died in 1537.

Meanwhile Sher Shah Suri was consolidating his power in Bihar and Bengal and was emerging as a powerful ruler. He challenged the Mughal rule and even though Humayun was able to temporarily oust Sher Shah from Bengal, he could not defend his territories from Sher Shah for long.

Sher Shah successfully defeated the Mughals at Chausa in 1539, and over 8,000 Mughal troops were killed in the bloody battle. This considerably weakened Humayun’s strength, and to add to his miseries, his own brothers were also plotting against him. Sher Shah Suri continued his attacks on the Mughals and drove Humayun to the west.

The Mughals faced the growing army of Sher Shah at the Battle of Kanauj in 1540, where once again the Mughals were defeated. Further defeats followed the Mughals and the emperor Humayun was compelled to quit the battlefield. Sher Shah also captured Agra, the capital city of the Mughals, and forced Humayun to flee from India.

Humayun fled to Persia with his wife and a few companions. There Shah Tahmasp not only offered him refuge, but also treated him as a royal visitor. With military support from Shah Tahmasp, Humayun proceeded to claim Kandahar and Kabul.

Meanwhile Sher Shah Suri died in 1545, and his son and successor also died within a few years of his father in 1554. The ensuing political chaos provided Humayun with the perfect opportunity to reclaim his empire. He gathered a large army which he placed under the leadership of Bairam Khan, a great military strategist. Bairam Khan led the army and successfully laid claim to the throne for the Mughals. Once again Humayun claimed Babur’s throne on 23 July 1555.

After becoming the Mughal emperor once again, he embarked on a series of military campaigns to extend his reign over areas in eastern and western India. At the time of his death, the Mughal Empire spanned almost one million square kilometers.

Major Battles

Humayun was not well known for being a great military leader. However, he recognized his limitations and therefore placed his army under the leadership of Bairam Khan while attempting to reclaim the throne of Delhi from the descendants of Sher Shah Suri. This proved to be a wise move as Bairam Khan was successful in recapturing the capital for Humayun.

Personal Life & Legacy

Humayun had several wives and concubines, the most notable ones being Hamida Banu Begum, Mah Chuchak Begum, Bibi Gunwar Begum, Khanish Aghacha, Shaham Aghacha, and Maywa Jan Aghacha. He fathered a number of children including son Akbar who would one day become known as one of the greatest Mughal emperors.

He was descending the staircase from his library with his arms full of books when the muezzin announced the Azaan (the call to prayer). The emperor tried to kneel in reverence on hearing the summons, but tripped and fell down the stairs. He was seriously injured as a result and died three days later on January 27, 1556. He was succeeded by his son Akbar.

Humayun was known for his peaceful personality and patience which earned him the title ’Insān-i-Kamil (Perfect Man), among the Mughals.

Facts About Humayun

Humayun was known for his love of astronomy and often consulted with astrologers to guide his decisions.

He had a deep appreciation for the arts and was a talented calligrapher himself.

Humayun was a devoted husband and father, known for his kindness and compassion towards his family.

Humayun was a patron of scholars and poets, fostering a rich cultural environment in his court.

Humayun Biography

You wanted to know

What is the significance of Humayun's Tomb?

How did Humayun regain the Mughal Empire after losing it to Sher Shah Suri?

What was Humayun's relationship with his son Akbar?

How did Humayun die?

What was Humayun's legacy in the Mughal Empire?