Battle between Humayun and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat

The battle between Humayun and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat represents a significant episode in the early reign of Emperor Humayun, the second ruler of the Mughal dynasty in India. This confrontation, fought in the mid-1530s, was part of Humayun’s broader campaign to consolidate Mughal authority in western India and curb the rising power of regional rulers. It ultimately resulted in the defeat and flight of Bahadur Shah, temporarily extending Mughal control over Gujarat, though the gains were short-lived.

Background

After the establishment of Mughal rule by Babur following the First Battle of Panipat (1526) and the Battle of Khanwa (1527), his son Humayun (r. 1530–1540; 1555–1556) inherited an empire still in the process of consolidation.
At the same time, Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (r. 1526–1537) had emerged as a powerful regional ruler. Belonging to the Muzaffarid dynasty, Bahadur Shah was an ambitious and capable sovereign who had expanded his dominion over Malwa, Rajasthan, and parts of Saurashtra, and had gained control over the western coastal trade routes.
His rising influence posed a serious challenge to the nascent Mughal Empire. Humayun viewed him as both a political and strategic threat, particularly because of his alliance with external powers and his proximity to the Mughal heartlands.

Causes of the Conflict

1. Bahadur Shah’s Expansionist Policy:
   • Bahadur Shah’s rapid annexation of Malwa (1531) and Chittor (1535) alarmed the Mughals.
   • His growing influence in Rajasthan and Central India threatened Mughal interests in northern India.
2. Sheltering of Humayun’s Rivals:
   • Bahadur Shah provided asylum to Prince Mirza Hindal (Humayun’s rebellious brother) and other Mughal nobles who had fallen out with Humayun.
3. Portuguese Alliance:
   • Bahadur Shah had begun diplomatic negotiations with the Portuguese, granting them permission to construct a fort at Diu (1535) in return for naval assistance.
   • The prospect of a foreign European power establishing a foothold in western India alarmed Humayun, who viewed it as a threat to Indian sovereignty and trade.
4. Strategic Importance of Gujarat:
   • Gujarat was one of the wealthiest provinces in India, with flourishing ports like Surat, Cambay, and Diu, controlling maritime trade with the Middle East and Africa.
   • Its annexation would strengthen Mughal finances and provide access to sea trade routes.

Thus, the stage was set for a confrontation between the expanding Mughal Empire and the powerful regional kingdom of Gujarat.

Course of the Campaign

1. Humayun’s March Towards Gujarat (1535)

• In 1535 CE, Humayun launched a grand expedition against Bahadur Shah.
• He advanced with a strong force from Agra through Rajasthan, capturing key forts such as Mandasor and Ujjain on the way.
• Bahadur Shah, realising the strength of the Mughal army, retreated from Chittor and fell back towards Gujarat.

2. Siege and Capture of Champaner

• Humayun’s army laid siege to Champaner, a well-fortified and strategically important city near Baroda.
• After a fierce assault, the fort fell into Mughal hands in July 1535.
• The capture of Champaner was a major victory, as it opened the route to the Gujarat plains and provided Humayun with access to immense treasures and supplies.

3. Humayun’s Entry into Gujarat

• Following the victory at Champaner, Humayun advanced towards Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat.
• Bahadur Shah abandoned his capital and fled first to Cambay and later to Diu, seeking protection from the Portuguese.
• By late 1535, Ahmedabad, Cambay, and much of Gujarat came under Mughal control.

4. Flight and Death of Bahadur Shah

• Bahadur Shah, facing defeat, attempted to consolidate his position with Portuguese assistance.
• However, his reliance on foreign powers weakened his legitimacy among local chiefs.
• In 1537, during a conflict with the Portuguese at Diu, Bahadur Shah was killed in a naval skirmish near the coast — reportedly drowned while trying to escape from a Portuguese ship.

Outcome of the Conflict

1. Mughal Occupation of Gujarat:
   • With Bahadur Shah’s flight, Humayun established Mughal rule over Gujarat and appointed Mirza Askari (his brother) as the provincial governor.
2. Short-Lived Success:
   • The Mughal hold over Gujarat proved temporary.
   • Internal dissension among Mughal officers and rebellions by local chiefs weakened control.
   • Within a year, Bahadur Shah’s followers recaptured many areas, and Mughal forces were compelled to withdraw.
3. Portuguese Consolidation at Diu:
   • The conflict indirectly benefited the Portuguese, who strengthened their fortifications at Diu and established a long-term presence along India’s western coast.
4. Diversion of Mughal Resources:
   • The Gujarat campaign diverted Humayun’s attention from the east, allowing Sher Shah Suri to consolidate power in Bihar and Bengal — a development that would later lead to Humayun’s downfall in 1540.

Significance of the Conflict

1. Assertion of Mughal Authority:
   • It marked Humayun’s attempt to expand Mughal influence beyond north India into the wealthy western regions.
2. Strategic Control of Trade Routes:
   • Gujarat’s capture was crucial for controlling the Arabian Sea trade, though the Mughals could not maintain it.
3. Foreign Intervention:
   • The Portuguese gained a firm foothold in Indian maritime affairs through their dealings with Bahadur Shah.
4. Prelude to Later Expansion:
   • Despite its short-term failure, the campaign demonstrated the Mughal ambition to unify India under central rule — a goal later fulfilled by Akbar, who permanently annexed Gujarat in 1573.