The Battle of Kannauj

The correct answer to the question is option 'B' - Kannauj. Humayun had to flee from India after he was defeated in the Battle of Kannauj.

Introduction to Humayun

Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor who ruled over the Indian subcontinent from 1530 to 1540 and again from 1555 to 1556. He was the eldest son of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India.

The Battle of Kannauj

The Battle of Kannauj was fought between Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, who was a Pashtun military leader and the founder of the Sur Empire in North India. The battle took place on May 17, 1540, near the city of Kannauj in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.

Causes of the Battle

1. Succession Crisis: After the death of Babur in 1530, a succession crisis arose between Humayun and his brothers. Humayun eventually emerged victorious and ascended to the throne, but this period of instability weakened the Mughal Empire.

2. Rivalry with Sher Shah Suri: Sher Shah Suri, a powerful Afghan noble, challenged Humayun's authority and aimed to establish his own empire in India. This rivalry between the two leaders led to the Battle of Kannauj.

Key Events of the Battle

1. Military Strategies: Sher Shah Suri had a well-organized and disciplined army, while Humayun's forces were comparatively weaker. Sher Shah Suri strategically positioned his troops, constructed trenches, and used war elephants to gain an advantage.

2. Humayun's Defeat: Despite initial success, Humayun's forces were eventually outnumbered and overwhelmed by Sher Shah Suri's troops. Humayun was forced to retreat and subsequently lost control over his empire.

Consequences of the Battle

1. Humayun's Exile: Following his defeat in the Battle of Kannauj, Humayun was forced to flee from India and seek refuge in Persia. He spent nearly fifteen years in exile, during which Sher Shah Suri established the Sur Empire and ruled over North India.

2. Restoration of the Mughal Empire: After Sher Shah Suri's death, Humayun was able to regain his empire with the help of the Safavid dynasty of Persia. He defeated Sher Shah Suri's successors and reestablished the Mughal Empire in India.

Conclusion

The Battle of Kannauj marked a significant turning point in Humayun's life and the history of the Mughal Empire. His defeat led to his exile from India, but he later returned and regained control over his empire. This battle highlights the challenges faced by Humayun in maintaining his authority and the rivalries that shaped the political landscape of medieval India.