The Babur-Nama : Memoirs of Babur

Unlike most official chronicles, which record the achievements of any particular ruler with pompousness and filled with heroism, Babur hardly valorizes himself by writing in a practical and straightforward manner.

Alternatively known as Tuzuk-i-Baburi, The Babur-Nama is an auto­biography written by the first Mughal emperor Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babur (ad 1483-1530). Originally written in Chaghatai Turkish, it was later translated into Persian by the Mughal noble and poet, Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan in ad 1589-90. The original Chaghatai text has survived partially, but most of it seems to have been lost. The original manuscripts are kept in various libraries across the UK, Russia, US, and India. Babur’s biography starts with his father Umar Sheikh Mirza, who died in an accident when Babur was twelve years old. Babur’s observations on society, polity, culture, flora, fauna, military equipment cum battles, genealogies, along with history, and architectural styles of both Central Asia and India are recorded in a very meticulous manner. In particular, his reflections on gender relations and his political campaigns are quite noteworthy. His campaigns include the conquest of Samarkand, Kabul and the first battle of Panipat in ad 1526 are recorded.