Do you know that Babur was a self-declared bi-sexual (if not homosexual) who madly bestowed his affection for a boy named ‘Baburi’ with whom he crossed paths at Camp Bazar? Do you know that the man himself – the founding father of the Mughal Empire, never really called himself a Mughal and rather the term “Mughal” for him was a term of castigation which he often hurled abuses at? Sounds weird right?
Well, Indian History never fails to surprise if presented in accordance with right conduct in due course of time. Arun Shourie once said, “History is too important to be left to Historians” – he was referring to Marxist Historiography in his book “Eminent Historians”. That book still remains one of the most instrumental title where he, alone by oneself, transfigured the entire discourse of looking upon at Indian History.
My urge to learn accurate and stratified form of history introduced me to the author of this book which I have brought on to the table today. “BABUR: The Chessboard King” penned by Aabhas Maldahiyar, who is an Architect & Urban Designer by profession but a Historian by passion, is the first instalment of the massive 6 volume series on Timurid Historiography, which is also bogusly called as “Mughal Historiography”.
This pristine piece of literature stepped in at a very crucial stage where India is witnessing a cultural renaissance and revivalism. While talking about Indic Culture, Mughals (Timurids) indeed have a fair share in it, although rather notorious one. Babur being the founding father of the so called “Mughal Empire” was not just an ordinary king. Reading this book left me stupefied looking at Babur’s ambiguous character.
He was not just a “Ruthless” intruder who tried to scrunch the glorious civilization of India, but he was also a king in bewilderment. He was ridiculously a good poet, but also a poor manager of economics. Well all of his successors were like him. Indian Economy under Mughal Rule suffered severe dents which reduced our huge share in global GDP. This book series will challenge this illusory narrative of “Economic Prosperity” brought by Mughals.
Babur and his whole gamut of personalities is something which is little known to the public. The Indian Historians till now never done justice to any personality or incident from the past. If as a Historian one is entrusted to write history, he or she should make sure to keep it immune from biases, otherwise it deepens the conflict between parleys. However, midst of all this, this book which has indeed taken a form of this beautiful manifestation, is de rigueur for authors who wish to write on Indian History. Rich in evidence & sources and to corroborate them, doing extensive research and comparative study before picking the best out of odds, is the soul strength of this book and is paramount in the field of Non-Fiction literature.
This book has curtailed (in superlative term) itself to primary sources including one of the very popular (yet not so popular) persian manuscript authored by the protagonist of the book himself – Baburnama. Aabhas Maldahiyar’s book begins from the of death of Babur’s father Umar Shaikh Mirza II which induced tragic trails in the life of the King, and sheds light on his struggle at the very early age following by his rise to power in Ferghana. Babur’s struggle and lust for power brought him victories, defeats, trials and retreats and even couple of initial failed attempts to invade India.
Being based upon the Babur’s own journal – Baburnama, author had learned Persian in due course to evaluate the original manuscript in rather better arrangement, away from translators’ biases. Most of the material which we get to read about Babur in the contemporary times, begin with his adventures post Indian invasion. Whereas this book is expanded in 19 chapters, and in this single volume, author has brought up explosive nuances pre-dated to the story of “after India invasion” of this historical figure.
Islamic invasions of India were not solely done for economic prosperity of the invader, rather this very reason for invasion was just one out of many other reasons. If you read marxist historians who were once very prevalent in India, you would find them evaluating every invasion of India on economic grounds, as marxist point of view does not go beyond monetary reasons. They believe that money and economic hardship had persuaded many such invasions in past. But being honest to literary evidences, one can conclude that one of the major causes for the invasion in India was the expanding nature of Islamic Theology, which Babur was an adherent of.
Islamic fanaticism has induced several brutalities over people who were not the adherents of it. Babur since belonging to the house of Timurids, did share a bloodline with Mongols as well, which this book connects very firmly. Mughals have been referred as “Turk-Mongolian Blood”. So when that madcap attitude of Mongols met the hardcore extremist Wahabi ideology of Islam, it produced rulers like Timur, who wanted complete Islamisation of the continent. Following the terms of great-great grandfather, Babur was not very alienated to this very notion of Islamisation. Well, that is a different case that destiny never allowed him to gain a stronghold. And from there comes the Title of this book, “The Chessboard King”. If one sees it as a very strong & dominant title for the book, maybe written in praises of the king, then that person is probably on the wrong side of the page. Well I am leaving it for readers to know the reason behind of this nomenclature. Babur indeed had qualities which are well placed in this book, but being a Hindu who hails from the Land of Gods – India, for me he will always remain as a malicious marauder who killed my people.
In conclusive remarks, I will say it with full authority that, this is indeed an unprecedented work on this historical personality. Considering there is going to be an another volume dedicated to this King, it becomes overwhelming for history buffs and it makes it a Magnum Opus on its own. Aabhas’ efforts of relying on primary sources will help us better to comprehend the sheer desires of this King. This book resonates the true meaning of History. This book is purely based on primary sources and references, and richness of the footnotes proves the point. One can even do primary research taking this work as a reference book. It is that detailed. Besides, It has no material to satisfy the political pursuits of any ideology or wing, be it Right or Left, but does have immense tendencies to hurt many ideologies. I hope you get it.
At the end, this book has offered me a fresh and distinctive lens to witness historical happenings and challenged many prevalent narratives which make rounds in the mainstream. Author’s dedication is truly reflected from the pages and in genuine sense, it made me stick to my notion even more stronger that, “Historians who become Historians out of passion, always outplay those who are Historians by profession.” Aabhas is entitled for honour and his excellent endeavour should be revered by all. I genuinely hope my keen readers community will give him an opportunity to prove his excellence and read this book and voice it among their zone of influence. Sending lots of warm wishes to the author and may Maa Bhavani bless him with good health & success!
If you wish to support me and willing to buy the book, then do consider buying it from the link below. I will receive a small commission at no extra added cost to you.
📕: BABUR: The Chessboard King
✍️: Aabhas Maldahiyar
📄: 480 pages
🏷️: ₹659
