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Battles of Mughal Army Module - II

Military History of
Medieval India

Note

Map 7.2 Mewar Region
Rana Sanga emerged as a powerful ruler after conquering Malwa. He then turned his
attention towards north-eastern Rajasthan, which was then under the control of Khilji's
ally, Lodi. He invaded the region and was successful in capturing several major areas,
including the fort of Ranthambore.
Lodi retaliated and invaded Mewar. Sanga's forces proved to be too strong for Lodi's
Afghans. The Battle of Khatoli which Rana Sanga fought against Ibrahim Lodi was a
big success for the Rajputs. In the battle, the Maharana lost an arm and became lame
for life but this did not deter his spirit. Later, in another battle at Dholpur against
Ibrahim Lodi, the Rana Sanga once again defeated Lodi and captured most of present
day Rajasthan.

With his growing stature as a powerful ruler in India, he gained much recognition.
Owing to his repeated success in the northern territories of India, he set his ambitions
high and planned to capture Delhi and bring the whole of India under his control.

7.2.1 The Battle of Khanwa

Initially, Rana Sanga believed that Babur had plans to leave India. But intelligence
gathered suggested that Babur was getting ready to consolidate his newly gained
successes. Therefore, Rana Sanga, decided to wage war against the Mughal invader.

At first, he forced Afghan fugitive princes like Mehmud Lodi and Hasan Khan Mewati
to join him. Then he ordered Babur to leave India.

As Rana's and Babur's troops faced each other in Khanwa, near Fatehpur-Sikri, in
1527, a bloody battle followed, resulting in death and destruction. Although, the Rajputs
had surrounded Babur, but his technically superior army won the battle.

The reason for Babur's success was that even before the battle took place Babur had
carefully inspected the battle site. Like in the Battle of Panipat, he strengthened his
front by procuring carts which were fastened by iron chains. These were used for
providing shelter to horses and for storing artillery. Gaps between the carts were used

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