Babur

1483–1530 · Timurid/Mughal (Central Asia/India) · Early Mughal Empire

Known for: Founded the Mughal Empire by defeating vastly larger forces at Panipat using gunpowder tactics

Babur was a Central Asian prince descended from both Tamerlane and Genghis Khan who lost his kingdom of Fergana multiple times before conquering northern India and founding the Mughal dynasty. At the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, he defeated the Sultan of Delhi's army of 100,000 with roughly 12,000 men by using matchlock firearms and field artillery—the first major use of gunpowder weapons in Indian warfare.

He was also one of history's most charming memoirists. His Baburnama is a brutally honest autobiography—he admits to his mistakes, describes his alcoholism, critiques Indian food, and writes beautiful nature poetry. He reportedly gave up drinking to secure God's favor before Panipat, and traded his own life for his sick son's—dying at 47.

Browse all 1,000 figures by category

Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.