The Intimate Bond Between Babur and Humayun: A Bloodline Legacy

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, had a profound connection with his favourite son, Humayun. This relationship is a testament to the rich lineage and the historical legacy of the Timurid dynasty, particularly through the illustrious figures of Timur and Genghis Khan.

Founding the Mughal Empire

Zahiruddin Babur, the first Mughal ruler, was not only the founder of the Mughal Empire but also a descendant of several prominent Central Asian rulers. Babur was related to the Turkish ruler Timur on his paternal side, and his mother tongue was Turkish. His memoirs, the Baburnama, were written in Chaghatai Turkic.

The Journey of Babur

Babur, the son of Umar Shaikh Mirza, the Timurid King of Ferghana, was driven from his homeland due to political and personal reasons. He established himself in Kabul and later ventured into the Indian subcontinent in 1526. The Baburnama provides deep insights into the life and conquests of Babur, and it was later translated into Persian by his grandson, Akbar.

The Unbreakable Bond Between Babur and Humayun

Babur's deep paternal love for Humayun is one of the most moving stories in the Baburnama. When Humayun fell ill at the young age of 22, Babur was heartbroken, even to the point of praying for his life. Babur's love for his son was so profound that he begged Allah to take his life in place of his son's. Miraculously, Humayun recovered, but Babur soon passed away, making an immense sacrifice for his heir.

The Timurid Legacy

The relationship between Babur and Humayun is intricately linked to the larger Timurid lineage. Babur was a direct descendant of Timur, who was the founder of the Gurkani or Timurid Dynasty. The Mughals, in a way, continued the Gurkani legacy, as they considered Timur as the founder of their dynasty. The Gurkani/Timurid dynasty traced its roots back to the grandson of Genghis Khan.

The Great Sacred Seal of Babur

The Great Sacred Seal of Babur depicts his lineage clearly. In the center circle, it reads 'Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur,' and in the outside circle, it lists his great-grandfather's lineage back to Timur. This seal represents the continuous line of Timurid succession and highlights Babur's profound connection to his forefather, Timur.

The Lineage Chart

Here is a detailed chart summarizing the lineage between Babur and Timur:

This chart also shows that Babur was a great-great-great-grandson of Timur, firmly establishing his place in the Timurid lineage.

Conclusion

The relationship between Babur and Humayun is a poignant reminder of the power of bloodline and the unyielding bonds of family in the historical context of the Mughal Empire. This familial connection is deeply rooted in the Timurid lineage, extending back to the grandeur of both Timur and Genghis Khan. Their legacy continues to intrigue and inspire, making the study of their relationship a vital part of Asian history.