In which year did Babur take control of Kabul?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The answer is (3) 1504 CE.
Explanation:
- Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, conquered Kabul (present-day Afghanistan) in 1504 CE. After repeatedly losing Fargana and Samarkand in Central Asia, Babur turned his attention southeastward and seized control of Kabul. This marked a pivotal turning point in Babur's life, as it was from this base that he began to focus his sights on India. It was only after securing Kabul that Babur, in 1507 CE, renounced his ancestral title of 'Mirza' and adopted the title of 'Padshah' (or Badshah). Kabul proved to be a secure base for him, from where he prepared for the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
- 1500 CE: During this period, Babur was engaged in a struggle within Central Asia to defend his ancestral kingdom of Fargana and to conquer Samarkand.
- 1508 CE: In this year, Babur's eldest son, 'Humayun', was born in Kabul.
- 1512 CE: By this time, Babur had made yet another attempt to conquer Samarkand, but he was unsuccessful.
Additional Points:
- Babur wrote his autobiography, *Tuzuk-i-Baburi* (*Baburnama*), in the Turkish language, in which he chronicled his conquest of Kabul and his campaigns in India. (Source: NCERT, *Medieval India*)
- It was only after the conquest of Kabul that Babur became aware of the political instability prevailing in India and formulated his plan to cross the Indus River.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
1. Question: When did Babur assume the title of 'Padshah'?
Answer: In 1507 CE (after the conquest of Kabul).
2. Question: In which year did Babur launch his first invasion of India?
Answer: In 1519 CE (against Bajaur and Bhera).
3. Question: Which local ruler did Babur displace during the conquest of Kabul?
Answer: He captured Kabul by defeating the rulers of the Arghun dynasty.