The Second battle of Panipat (1556): Akbar vs Hemu

The Second battle of Panipat (1556): Akbar vs Hemu

The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) is one of the most dramatic and decisive battles in the Indian subcontinent history. This war was not just about the destiny of two armies but the whole Mughal Empire would either live or die very early. This battle between Akbar and Hemu,changed the political balance in North India. Besides, the war brought to light power, ambition, strategy, destiny, and unpredictability of power.

Historical Background of the second battle of Panipat

The fall of Mughal Power following Humayun

To see the Second Battle of Panipat, one has to look at the political turmoil that erupted after the death of Emperor Humayun in January of 1556. Humayun was in charge of Mughal throne only briefly after he had recovered the throne. His immediate demise thus left a power vacuum that was dangerous.

It is at this time that Akbar, who was a minor at thirteen years, took the throne. Due to his age, Akbar was not able to be a ruler on his own. His popular general and protector, Bairam Khan, was, thus, made regent. Despite decisive actions of Bairam Khan, there were numerous opponents to Mughal authority.

Divided Political North Indian Landscape

Meanwhile, North India was politically badly fragmented. Competition among power seeking generals, Afghan nobles and the Rajput rulers existed. Consequently, the Mughal position was very weak. A number of Afghan rulers tried to regain control of power following the demise of the Sur Empire.

Under such a volatile situation, Hemu became the strongest opponent of the Mughal rule.

Hemuniti (Hem Chandra Vikramaditya) was the Rise of Hemu.

Early Life and Background

Hemu was born to the humble family and he never inherited the power and privilege. Rather, he ascended to the top by means of being intelligent, disciplined and a good administrator. He was a trader at a tender age of life, and later served in the government as a servant under the rulers of Sur.

Hemu rose to prominence because of his quick thinking and efficiency. He was very competent in managing revenue, logistics and military. This led to Sur rulers giving him more and more significant roles. Hemu the General of the Sur Empire.

The Sur Empire also became weak because of internal conflict following the deaths of Sher Shah Suri and subsequent Islam Shah Suri. Nevertheless, Hemu was faithful to the Sur cause. He later on became the chief general and prime minister of the nominal Sur ruler, Adil Shah Suri.

Additionally, Hemu had demonstrated himself in battlefield. He is credited with having won 22 successive battles against different groups of people which included Afghans and Mughals. It was by these conquests that he reclaimed some of the territories in North India.

Take of Delhi and Possession of Kingship

The greatest accomplishment that Hemu made was when he conquered the Mughal governor at Delhi. Having conquered the city, Hemu made himself Vikramaditya, assuming the title of a king of Hindu. This act represented his desire to have an autonomous rule. Thus, the ascendancy of Hemu came as a threat to the Mughal leaders. His domination of Delhi was a direct menace at the survival of Akbar as an emperor.

The Countdown to the Second Battle of Panipat

Mughal Answer to Bairam Khan

Bairam Khan was prompt in action when word came of the conquests of Hemu. He knew that time would make Hemu still stronger. Consequently, he resolved to face Hemu head on.

Akbar despite his tender years, followed the army. This move raised spirits and strengthened Akbar as an emperor. During the time, Bairam Khan was organizing the army, training it and planning.

Panipat Strategic Importance

Panipat was selected as a battlefield again. It had open plains that supported the use of organized armies and artillery. In addition, Panipat was strategically important, as it was just near Delhi.

So, the two sides were heading to Panipat fully knowing that what will happen will determine the future of North India.

Power and Structure of the enemy Forces

Hemu’s Army

Hemu led an army that is very big and confident. His army had trained warriors, cavalry and war elephants, which were reputed to be symbols of power in Indian war. Moreover, the morale of his troops was high due to their success in the past.

Hemu himself was in the forefront and was a brave and commanding figure. His men were loyal to his leadership.

Akbar’s Army

Conversely, Akbar had a small army that was well organized. During the leadership of Bairam Khan, Mughals depended so much on the use of artillery, coordination of cavalry and discipline.

Mughal soldiers were already familiar with effective use of guns. Thus, despite the numerical superiority of Hemu, the Mughals had tactical superiority.

The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) course

Opening Phase of the Battle

The battle began on 5 November 1556. Hemu attacked fiercely and got the better of the first onset. His elephants drove forward and his troops strained the Mughal lines.

At this point, Hemu seemed to be right about his confidence. His army was progressing and Mughal opposition faded away (in the short run).

Turning Point: Hemu’s Injury

Nevertheless, the fight assumed dramatic twist in the process of an arrow striking the eye of Hemu. This wound made him unconscious nearly at once. Consequently, there was confusion in his army.

Since Hemu was a directive ruler, his downfall came as a morale booster. His troops became lost, and Mughal troops recovered their courage.

Mughal Revenge and Triumph

Bairam Khan saw his chance and counter attacked. The Mughal cavalry encircled the army of Hemu and broke their ranks. Therefore, the army of Hemu failed to resist the pressure.

Hemu was finally captured by the Mughal soldiers. His capture brought to an end organized resistance and victory was given to the Mughals.

Fate of Hemu

Execution of Hemu

The leaders of the Mughal took Hemu to Akbar after the battle. History says that Bairam Khan encouraged Akbar to hit Hemu symbolically in order to win.

Hemu was eventually executed in spite of the fact that Akbar was still young and hesitant. His death was the culmination of the final great threat to Mughal rule in North India then.

Legacy of Hemu

Nevertheless, Hemu is an outstanding historical figure though defeated. He started out poor and managed to become a great ruler by merit. His desire, boldness and ability to rule impressed.

Thus, historians tend to consider Hemu as one of the most worthy non-royal rulers of medieval India.

The Second Battle of Panipat had the following consequences.

Unification of Mughal Power

Akbar got his throne through the victory of the Mughal in Panipat. Subsequent to this struggle, no one could instantly oppose the Mughal rule in North India. Akbar therefore started uniting his empire.

The administration and military organization were stable under Akbar during the early reign of Bairam Khan.

Long-Run Effect on the reign of Akbar

Akbar was growing up and as he matured, he gradually took charge of the empire. He brought about reform in administration, encouraged religious tolerance and extended the Mughal territory to a great extent.

Thus, the Second Battle of Panipat was the guarantee of the survival and the subsequent greatness of the Mughal Empire.

Military and Political Significance.

Shift in Power Dynamics

The fight proved one more time that numerical superiority could be defeated using discipline, tactics and guns. The lesson had an impact on future war in the sub-continent.

Also, the conflict terminated the attempts of the Afghans to restore control following the fall of the Sur Empire.

Panipat as a Battlefield of History

This second great conflict further cemented the image of Panipat as the land of empire building and empire collapsing. Its name was then associated with bold transformation of history.

Consequences of the Battle

One of the most important moments in the Indian history is the Second Battle of Panipat (1556). It was not only the conflict between Akbar and Hemu, the war between the weak survival of the imperial and the development of personal ambition. The Mughals were victorious through discipline, leadership and good fortune at the right place and at the right time.