Empire Podcast Episode 208: Humayun Reconquers India (Ep 2)
Host/Authors: William Dalrymple and Anita Anand
Release Date: December 3, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 208 of Empire, William Dalrymple and Anita Anand delve into the tumultuous journey of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, as he endeavors to reclaim his lost throne in India. This episode intricately weaves through Humayun's personal struggles, political maneuvers, and cultural contributions, painting a vivid picture of a ruler often overshadowed in history.

Humayun's Exile and Complex Character

The episode opens by revisiting Humayun’s dire circumstances following his father's death. Humayun vows to protect his less capable brothers without resorting to fratricide, a promise that complicates his path to reclaiming the throne.

Anita Anand [01:49]: "Humayun is much more interesting than I thought he was before we started this."

Dalrymple challenges the traditional portrayal of Humayun as merely a "hopeless hippy" by highlighting his intellectual depth and poetic nature.

William Dalrymple [02:43]: "Humayun is sort of brilliant and erudite and far more bookish and fascinating and complicated than I think anyone guessed before."

Humayun's resilience is underscored as he navigates exile in Sindh, fostering a sense of hope despite his shattered empire.

The Library Camels and Symbolism

A pivotal element in Humayun's life is his "library camels," two camels laden with books that symbolize his enduring commitment to knowledge and culture even in times of despair.

William Dalrymple [03:36]: "Humayun has two library camels... laden with books."

Anita Anand marvels at this unique concept, likening it to a precursor of the modern mobile library.

Anita Anand [03:39]: "We all need a library camel on Empire Pod."

These camels represent Humayun's intellectual pursuits and his desire to preserve and continue the cultural legacy of the Mughal Empire.

Alliances and the Babur Diamond

Humayun's strategic alliances play a crucial role in his quest to reclaim India. One significant moment is his gesture of presenting the Babur diamond to Shah Tahmasp of Persia, which secures Persian support against his adversaries.

William Dalrymple [14:27]: "Shah Tamasp... is a grumpy religious extremist."

The offering of the Babur diamond not only symbolizes Humayun's desperation but also his savvy understanding of the value of such treasures in forging political alliances.

Anita Anand [12:38]: "Humayun left every single one of the diamonds on the riverbank and just walked off with that."

Military Campaigns: Reclaiming Kabul and Kandahar

With Persian cavalry now at his disposal, Humayun launches his campaign to retake key territories. His military prowess is evident as he successfully secures Kandahar and then moves towards Kabul, overcoming his treacherous brother Kamran.

William Dalrymple [20:01]: "Humayun is not a bad general... he is actually, like all the Timurids, he's an amazing battlefield commander."

The victories in Kandahar and Kabul restore Humayun's standing and bring hope of a larger reconquest of India.

Battle of Kipchak and Humayun's Injury

The narrative takes a somber turn with the Battle of Kipchak, where Humayun suffers a severe injury, leading many to believe he has perished. This moment of vulnerability showcases the fragility of his triumphs.

Anita Anand [12:38]: "He has left every single one of the diamonds... but he also has eyes to read them."

Humayun's resilience shines as he survives the injury, but not without facing personal loss and the continuous threat from his brother Kamran.

Final Triumph and Entry into Delhi

Undeterred by previous setbacks, Humayun mounts a decisive campaign in 1554, leading his forces through strategic battles to finally re-enter Delhi and reclaim the throne.

William Dalrymple [35:06]: "In 1554, he mounts his great attempt to retake his lost kingdom in India."

His successful reconquest marks a significant turning point, paving the way for the cultural and architectural advancements that the Mughal Empire is renowned for.

Cultural Renaissance: Mughal Art and Humayun's Court

Upon reclaiming Delhi, Humayun fosters a cultural renaissance by inviting Persian painters to his court, laying the foundation for the famed Mughal miniature tradition.

Anita Anand [37:49]: "Bichiter is absolutely one of the greatest of all Mughal paintings."

Dalrymple emphasizes the fusion of Persian precision with Indian vibrancy, resulting in a unique artistic expression that would define Mughal aesthetics.

William Dalrymple [39:00]: "It's this amazing fusion that we get of the color and the brightness and the inventiveness of Indian painting meeting the formality and precision of the Persian style."

The Legacy: Humayun's Tomb and Influence

Humayun's visionary ideas culminate in the construction of Humayun's Tomb, a precursor to the iconic Taj Mahal. His experiences in Afghanistan and Persia heavily influence its design, blending various architectural styles.

William Dalrymple [51:22]: "Humayun's tomb... three quarters of the idea of the Taj are there in Humayun's tomb."

This mausoleum not only serves as his final resting place but also stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in architecture and culture.

Humayun's Tragic End and Akbar's Succession

The episode concludes with the tragic accident that claims Humayun's life. While climbing the steps of his newly constructed tomb, he suffers a fatal injury. His final moments reflect his enduring hope and the uncertainties that will befall his young son, Akbar.

William Dalrymple [47:54]: "Humayun... calls for a scribe because his son is off hunting."

The abrupt death leaves a power vacuum, thrusting the young Akbar into leadership, setting the stage for his illustrious reign.

Conclusion

Episode 208 of Empire masterfully encapsulates Humayun's arduous journey from exile to emperorship, highlighting his political acumen, cultural contributions, and personal tribulations. Through eloquent storytelling and insightful commentary, Dalrymple and Anand shed light on a pivotal yet often underappreciated chapter in Mughal history, paving the way for understanding the grandeur that Akbar would later embody.

Notable Quotes:

• William Dalrymple [02:43]: "Humayun is sort of brilliant and erudite and far more bookish and fascinating and complicated than I think anyone guessed before."

• Anita Anand [03:39]: "We all need a library camel on Empire Pod."

• William Dalrymple [14:27]: "Shah Tamasp... is a grumpy religious extremist."

• Anita Anand [12:38]: "Humayun left every single one of the diamonds on the riverbank and just walked off with that."

• William Dalrymple [20:01]: "Humayun is not a bad general... he is actually, like all the Timurids, he's an amazing battlefield commander."

• Anita Anand [37:49]: "Bichiter is absolutely one of the greatest of all Mughal paintings."

• William Dalrymple [51:22]: "Humayun's tomb... three quarters of the idea of the Taj are there in Humayun's tomb."

• William Dalrymple [47:54]: "Humayun... calls for a scribe because his son is off hunting."

This comprehensive summary provides an in-depth look into the complexities of Humayun's rule, his contributions to Mughal culture, and the personal and political challenges he faced, making it a compelling listen for both history enthusiasts and casual audiences alike.