41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996

The Crisis and Restoration of Mughals

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Arrange properly as per dates of four important battles fought by Humayun, the names of battlefields are given below-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Humayun's military history is a story of early success, complete collapse, and a final return. Tracking these four battles shows the cycle of his reign.

Explanation 1. Battle of Devara (1532): An early victory where he defeated Afghan rebels. 2. Battle of Chausa (1539): A major defeat at the hands of Sher Shah Suri. 3. Battle of Kanauj (1540): The final blow that forced Humayun to flee to Persia. 4. Battle of Sirhind (1555): The victory against Sikandar Shah Suri that allowed Humayun to reclaim the throne.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Devara (1532) established his initial authority. Chausa (1539) and Kanauj (1540) mark the period of his exile.
Logic 2: Sirhind (1555) is the concluding battle that restored Mughal rule just before his accidental death.

Active Recall

Question

Which battle officially ended Humayun's first reign?

Answer

The Battle of Kanauj in 1540 led to the total takeover of Delhi by Sher Shah Suri.

Core Insight

Humayun is the only Mughal emperor to lose an entire empire and win it back, with the Battle of Sirhind being the pivotal moment of restoration.