Watch Your Step, Emperor

Emperor Humayun, the second ruler of the Mughal Empire, was born in Kabul in 1508. He became known for his retaking of the Empire from the Suris.

Babur celebrating Humayun's birth; Source: Wikipedia

Nasir-ud-din Muhammad, the Badshah of the Mughal Empire, Humayun, did not live to enjoy his throne for a long time. When born in Kabul, on the 6th of March, 1508, there existed nothing called a Mughal Empire - just his father Babur, a prince of Central Asia, trying to cement his position.

As his actions would culminate in the conquest of the Delhi Sultanate in 1526-27, Babur would crown himself the first Gurkani Badshah (the Mughals called themselves the Gurkanis).

Upon his death, his sons would, in true Central Asian fashion, split the throne amongst themselves and Humayun was handed control of Delhi and Agra. His rivalry with his brothers was enhanced, even as the defeated Afghans to the east viewed the upcoming Mughal turmoil to annex back the Sultanate.

At the age of 22 in 1530, his first reign would be marked by repeated attempts by his brothers to take the throne, especially Kamran, who had inherited Kabul and Kandahar. In 1540, the Afghan Surs, taking advantage during this succession struggle, managed to defeat Humayun’s armies in the field, forcing him to flee to Persia, much like his father, who had lost his Central Asian throne of Ferghana.

But, unlike his father, Humayun would make good on a vow to return - under the Shah of Persia, he would be given arms, soldiers, administrators, and other courtiers to rebuild his Empire back. Fifteen years had passed since he was ousted in 1540. The Surs, one strong, were now reeling under their own inability to find a suitable successor, and Humayun’s brothers still stood against Humayun.

Battle after battle was fought, brothers killed, and the throne of Delhi secured, by 1555.

Humayun would bring in much of the Persian advisors and courtiers - establishing the beginnings of a rich painting, writing and performance tradition which would come full bloom under his successor, Akbar, as Humayun would fall from his library after his foot slipped, barely a year after securing the throne, in 1556.