The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c12.s3.10.1

v4.c12.s3.10.1

Lahore and its dependent provinces being practically subdued, Bābur was now able to devote his whole attention to the capture of Delhi. Realising the political importance of having an Afghān prince in his camp, he paid every attention to ‘Ālam Khān suitable to his rank; and, although the latter had everything to lose by Bābur's success, he was entrusted with a command both at Pānīpat and at Khānua. The opposing parties were now both advancing to an encounter. Ibrāhīm marched his main forces due north from Delhi along the right bank of the Jumna, while a secondary force under Hāmid Khān moved up from Hissār Fīrūza in the south-west. This force, coming into contact with Bābur's right wing, was totally routed by Humāyūn, who was then eighteen years of age. This was Humāyūn's first experience of battle. Bābur marched to Ambāla, and following the river Jumna arrived at Pānīpat, which he occupied. Here Bābur, whose forces probably numbered some 25,000, took up a defensive position, drawing up his army in a long line. On his extreme right were the town and suburbs of Pānīpat. His centre was protected by rows of movable carts (*arāba*), seven hundred in number, connected by twisted bull-hides; between every pair of guns there were six or seven movable breastworks (*tura*) for the protection of the matchlock men. In the centre (*ghul*) was Bābur himself. His left was protected by ditches and branches of trees.