Humayun was the second Mughal emperor to rule India. Born in 1508 at Kabul as the eldest son of
Babur, Humayun learnt Turkish, Persian and Arabic. His military training included assisting his father on his campaigns. At an early age of 12, he was appointed governor of Badakshan. In 1526 Humayun won his first major victory assisting his father against Ibrahim Lodi. At 23, he succeeded Babur to the throne of
Delhi in 1530.
Humayun was not as strong as Babur and had to face several enemies during his reign (1530-1556), from within and outside the kingdom. Thoroughly beaten by
Sher Shah in 1539, Humayun was forced to live as an exile for almost 15 years.
Akbar, who became the most famous of
Mughals, was born to him while on this endless wandering. Taking advantage of the squabbles among Sher Shah’s successors, Humayun regained his kingdom in 1556. But soon after winning back his throne, Humayun died of a fall down the stairs of Din Panah, then used as his library.
Humayun was learned and deeply interested in astrology and mathematics. He maintained a good library at the palace. He was reputed as just and generous. {Humayun’s Tomb} is one of the monuments of his times, the construction of which his wife supervised.
