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?

The correct answer is Babur.

Key Points

• Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, died in 1530, leaving behind a vast empire.
• The empire 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.
• Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), which marked the establishment of the Mughal Empire.
• He was a descendant of Timur on his father's side and Genghis Khan on his mother's side, which gave legitimacy to his rule.
• Babur's autobiography, "Baburnama," provides detailed accounts of his life, campaigns, and the socio-political conditions of his time.

Additional Information

• Mughal Empire:
  • The Mughal Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan from the early 16th to the mid-18th century.
  • It is known for its significant contributions to art, architecture, culture, and centralized governance.
  • Notable Mughal rulers include Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
• Babur's military tactics:
  • Babur introduced modern artillery and gunpowder to Indian warfare during his campaigns.
  • He employed the "Tulughma" strategy, dividing his army into flanking, center, and reserve units for better maneuverability.
• Baburnama:
  • Babur wrote his autobiography, "Baburnama," in Chagatai Turkish, which was later translated into Persian.
  • The book provides insights into Babur's thoughts, personal life, and the cultural landscape of his era.
• First Battle of Panipat:
  • Fought in 1526 between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi.
  • This battle marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of Mughal rule in India.