The Mughals are here to stay, indeed

The Battle of Khanwa, between a Rajput Alliance led by Rana Sanga and Mughal forces led by Babur, ends in a Mughal victory, today in 1527. This defeat would ensure continuing Mughal rule in India.

Battle of Khanwa; Source: Wikipedia

Babur had been quite clear about his aims - raid the Lodis, come back with resources, and conquer the Central Asian lands back. Now, it did not look quite clear - the Lodis had been defeated, but hopes of returning to Central Asia seemed quite grim. Now he wanted an Empire in this rich, divided land - but of course, there were enemies.

To the East, the defeated Afghans licked their wounds and waited for Mughal weakness to strike. To the Southwest, Rana Sanga of the Mewar had tried to consolidate other Rajput clans into his domain - to some success, enough to worry the newly arrived Mughals. The year was 1527, and the stage for the domain of North India was set.

Rana Sanga made the first move - marching an army into the northeastern reaches of present-day Rajasthan. Alarmed by his axis of advance - straight to the capital of Agra, the Mughals mustered whatever forces they could in panic. The Rana’s Army outnumbered Babur’s. If it was a direct battle, Rana was sure of winning.

Babur would strengthen his defences as the sides met near the village of Khanwa, giving the ensuing battle on March 16 its name. Babur had heavy cavalry, muskets, and cannon - all good to defend fixed positions. The Rana charged at his lines, and while he kept the pressure on, Rajput troops kept being forced back again and again - unable to break the Mughal centre or flanks. Some of his allies, like Raja Silhadi, even defected to the Mughal army, further weakening the position.

As both sides neared exhaustion, Babur saw an opening in Rajput lines - and ordered a charge. Caught by surprise, many Rajput leaders were killed off in the ensuing close battle - faced with unseen weaponry and exhaustion from constant attack. This opened up the lines - Rana Sanga was injured, the Rajput forces were broken, and the path to Rajputana lay open.

Only the exhaustion from battle stopped a Mughal advance. Rana Sanga, heavily injured, died shortly on his return to Chittor. His alliance broke down, and Mughals would demonstrate once again, how important the new cannon was, which even determined courage was unable to break. The battle ensured Mughal continuance and eventual subjugation of Rajputana.