Sher Shah defeated Humayun and captured Gaur in the battle of Chausa (1539)

In the 16th century, Sher Shah Suri, a Pashtun emperor, rose to power in the Indian subcontinent. One of his most significant military victories came in the battle of Chausa in 1539. This battle was fought between Sher Shah Suri and Humayun, the second Mughal emperor.

Background:
- After the death of his father Babur in 1530, Humayun ascended to the Mughal throne.
- However, his reign faced numerous challenges, including rebellions by his own brothers and the regional rulers.
- Sher Shah Suri, a former governor of Bihar, emerged as a powerful contender for the throne.

Causes of the Battle:
- Sher Shah Suri aimed to establish his authority over the Mughal territories and become the ruler of Delhi.
- Humayun, on the other hand, sought to consolidate his power and maintain control over his empire.

The Battle:
- The battle of Chausa took place on June 26, 1539, near the town of Chausa in Bihar, India.
- Sher Shah Suri had a well-equipped army, including artillery and war elephants.
- On the other hand, Humayun's forces were exhausted and poorly organized.
- Sher Shah Suri's general, Khawas Khan, led the vanguard, while Sher Shah himself commanded the center.
- The battle began with a fierce clash between the two armies.
- Despite initial setbacks, Sher Shah's forces managed to break through Humayun's ranks and capture the Mughal emperor's artillery.
- Humayun's troops were demoralized, and chaos ensued.
- In the midst of the battle, Humayun was forced to flee, leaving behind his treasury, camp, and family.
- Sher Shah's forces pursued Humayun and captured Gaur, a strategic city in Bengal, marking a significant victory.

Consequences:
- The defeat at the battle of Chausa was a major setback for Humayun and weakened his control over the empire.
- Sher Shah Suri established himself as the ruler of Delhi and founded the Sur dynasty.
- Humayun spent the next few years in exile, seeking alliances and regaining his strength.
- He eventually managed to reclaim his empire with the help of the Safavid dynasty in Persia and defeated Sher Shah's successors.

Conclusion:
The battle of Chausa in 1539 saw Sher Shah Suri emerge victorious over Humayun, capturing Gaur and establishing his authority over Delhi. This battle significantly weakened Humayun's control over the Mughal empire but eventually led to his eventual comeback and the restoration of Mughal rule.