Babur of Kabul! Flashcards
Who is the founder of the Mughal Empire in India?
In the early 16th century, a Muslim warlord from central Asia conquered much of northern India. He became the founder of a dynasty called the Mughals, who would rule India for centuries. This ruler was Babur of Kabul.
When and where was Babur born?
Babur was born in 1483 in the Ferghana Valley, in what is today Uzbekistan in central Asia.
What was Babur called and birth, and what does the name he took mean?
At birth, he was called Zahir-ud-din Muhammad, but he later took the name Babur, which means ‘tiger’.
Who was Babur descended from?
Babur was descended on his father’s side from Timur Lenk and on his mother’s side from Chinggis Khan - the two greatest Mongol conquerors.
What was Babur famous for?
Babur was famous for his strength and skill as a warrior.
Why was he already a great conqueror at a young age?
Babur commanded armies from a very young age, conquering the great city of Samarkand when he was only 14 - although he lost control of it shortly afterwards.
What all is said about Babur?
It was said that he could run up slopes carrying a man on his back, and that he had swam across every river he ever encountered, including the Ganges.
What was Babur’s personality like?
He was ruthless to his enemies, but he was also a sensitive and intellectual man who loved gardening and poetry, and wrote many books. During his conquest of India, he personally wrote detailed reports on the country’s culture, wildlife, and flowers.
What religion did Babur think of himself and his followers as?
Babur thought of himself as Turkic(the native people of his region), and always referred to himself and his followers as Turks.
What religion are Babur and his heirs often identified as?
However he and his heirs were often identified by others as Mongol rulers.
What does the name ‘Mughal’ mean?
The name ‘Mughal’ is simply the Persian version of the word ‘Mongol’.
What did Babur write about India?
Babar was not impressed with India. He wrote that it had, “no good horses, no good dogs, no grapes, musk-melons or first-rate fruits, no ice or cold water, no good bread or cooked food in the bazaars, no hot baths, no colleges, no candles, no torches, and no candlesticks.”
