The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c12.s3.25

v4.c12.s3.25

Humāyūn having spent a year in Badakhshān, where in obedience to his father’s commands he had refrained from attempting the recapture of Samarqand, set out for Kābul and thence for Āgra. He was next sent to his *jāgīr* Sambhal. At the end of six months he was suddenly attacked by fever. This caused Bābur so much anxiety that he caused Humāyūn to be brought to Āgra. The most learned doctors were at a loss for a remedy. A famous saint, Mīr Abū Baqā, being called in to advise, said that when physicians were at a loss, the patient should give in alms the most valuable thing he had and should seek remedy from God. Bābur thereupon said: “I am the most valuable thing that Humāyūn possesses. . . . I shall make myself a sacrifice for him. May God the Creator accept it.”¹ Bābur was shortly after taken ill, and Humāyūn recovered: as he lay dying, Bābur appointed Humāyūn his successor. Mīr Khalīfa, having formed a bad opinion of Humāyūn, desired to place Mahdī Khvāja, Bābur’s brother-in-law, on the throne, but he changed his mind, it would seem, on account of the arrogant behaviour of the Khvāja. Bābur died in Āgra on 26 December, 1530.²