Which ruler, upon his death in 1530, left behind a newly established empire that stretched across northern India—from the Indus River in the west to Bihar in the east, and from the Himalayas in the north to Gwalior in the south?​

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Babur

Explanation:

• Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, died in 1530, leaving behind an empire that stretched across northern India. He established the Mughal dynasty in India through a series of significant military campaigns.

• At the time of his death, Babur had laid the foundation of an empire that extended from the Indus River in the west to Bihar in the east, and from the Himalayas in the north to Gwalior in the south. His conquest of northern India through military prowess paved the way for the later expansion of the Mughal Empire.

Information Booster:

• Important Battles Fought by Babur:

  1. First Battle of Panipat (1526): This decisive battle against Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi, was crucial in establishing Babur’s rule over northern India. Babur’s use of artillery and tactics such as the "Tulughma" formation was revolutionary, and this victory led to the founding of the Mughal Empire.

  2. Battle of Khanwa (1527): Babur defeated the Rajput confederacy led by Rana Sanga of Mewar. This victory helped secure his position as the ruler of northern India.

  3. Battle of Chanderi (1528): Babur defeated the forces of Medini Rai, the ruler of Chanderi. This victory further cemented his control over central India and provided a significant military advantage.

  4. Battle of Ghaghra (1529): Babur defeated the combined forces of the Sultan of Bengal and the Afghans of Bihar, which further expanded Mughal control over the region.

• Key Achievements of Babur:

  • Establishment of the Mughal Empire: Babur is credited with founding the Mughal Empire in India, which later expanded under his descendants, especially Akbar.

  • Introduction of new military tactics: Babur’s use of gunpowder artillery and his tactical innovations in warfare set him apart from his contemporaries. His military success was as much about strategy as it was about strength.

  • Baburnama: Babur’s autobiography, known as the Baburnama, is an important historical document that provides insight into his life, military campaigns, and personal experiences. It is also a valuable source of information about the period.

  • Cultural Contributions: Babur is credited with introducing the Persian culture to India, which influenced art, architecture, and language in subsequent generations.

Additional Information:

• Option A (Qutb ud-Din Aibak): Aibak founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 but was not involved in establishing the Mughal Empire.

• Option C (Alauddin Khalji): Alauddin Khalji expanded the Delhi Sultanate’s territory but was not responsible for founding the Mughal Empire.

• Option D (Aurangzeb): While Aurangzeb expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent, he was not the founder of the empire.