Babur
1483–1530 · Timurid-Mughal (Fergana Valley, modern-day Uzbekistan / Kabul / Delhi) · Late Medieval Central Asia / Early Mughal India
Known for: Founded the Mughal Empire by conquering India—also a brilliant memoirist, poet, and connoisseur
Babur (meaning 'tiger') was a descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan who was driven from his Central Asian homeland and eventually conquered northern India, founding the Mughal Empire that would rule for 300 years.
He won the decisive Battle of Panipat (1526) against the Sultan of Delhi with only 12,000 men against 100,000—using gunpowder weapons and superior tactics. His memoir, the Baburnama, is one of history's great autobiographies—honest, vivid, and surprisingly modern.
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