Mughal empire was founded by Babur in c. 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi in first battle of Panipat. Mughals were Mongols in blood but Turks in culture. Babur took pride calling himself a Turk as the culture of Turks was much superior of that of Mongols. Babur was the descendent of Chingiz Khan from his mother’s side and was descendent of Timur from father’s side.
After conquering Central Asia in 12-13th century, Mongols lived there and slowly adopted Turkish culture because it was superior from their own culture. Hence, when Babur came to India, he was a well-decorated Turkish man. The Mughal system contains the element of both Turks and Mongols.
Also Read : Babur – The Founder of Mughal Dynasty
Sher Shah Suri – Foundation of Sur Empire and Reforms
Humayun – Struggle for Empire in North India
Turko-Mongol Theory of Kingship
Babur was descendent of Timur and Great Khan as well and hence, it was obvious that the state system of Mughal will contain the element of Turko-Mongol theory of kingship. Monarchy was the basis of this theory. Abul Fazal said that if there is no royalty, the storm and strife would never subside as the selfish ambitions of peoples will kill each other. Lawlessness would be everywhere and hence; monarchy was considered as essential element of the theory of kingship.
This theory of kingship focused on high power and prestige of crown. Timur used to emphasized that if there is one sun in the sky, how can there be two masters on the Earth. Mongols believed in royal absolutism. Nobody was allowed to equate himself with crown. The complete subjugation of nobles was another feature of Turko-Mongol theory of kingship. The nobles were to take oath of allegiance and authority, when new emperor ascended the throne.
Nobles were the creation of crown and hence was the main source of strength of emperor. The dynastic succession was another important feature of this theory as only royal members was allowed in the selection of new emperor and kingship was reserved only to royal family members. “Turah” comprises the secular laws formulated by Chingiz Khan after conquest of Central Asia, it also influenced the theory of kingship.
Turks and Mongols put emphasis on the territorial expansion and hence, imperialism was another important element of the theory of kingship. This theory emphasized that provincial ruler cannot keep the revenue collected by them as it is the income of emperor. Emperor was pivot of admin throughout his territories. The name of emperor was inscribed in coins. The Khutbah read in the name of emperor.
The Theory of Turko-Mongol under Babur and Humayun
Babur followed the policy of kingship in letter and spirit. Babur adopted the title of Badshah in c. 1507. He emphasized on the patrimony ancestry and hereditary as foundation stone of sovereignty. He considered sovereignty as a bondage because he emphasized that it cannot be combined with pleasure and rest. Due to differences among his sons Babur suggested split of empire but he always that Sovereignty (Padshahi) shall never be split.
Humayun considered sovereignty as his personal property because he believes that Padshah could handle it the way he desires. Hence, he puts sovereignty to boatman as was promised by him. He believes that hereditary privileges of nobles must get sanctioned by ruler. Both Babur and Humayun emphasized on royal absolutism. They both respected “Turah” of Chingiz Khan. Later, Akbar put forward his own theory of kingship by combining the elements of theories of kinship from Turks, Mongols and Indians.