Mughal Emperor Babur died in Agra in 1530 and was initially buried in Aram Bagh. Fourteen years later, in 1544, he was reburied in Bagh-e-Babur in Kabul, fulfilling his wish.
Aurangzeb's Tomb Controversy: Currently, a debate is raging across India, including Maharashtra, concerning Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. There are calls to relocate Aurangzeb's tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, located in the Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) district. Separate from this controversy, Mughal history includes an emperor who was buried twice after death: Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, first interred in Agra and later transferred to Kabul.
Babur: Founder of the Mughal Empire
Babur, who established the Mughal Empire in India in 1526, ruled for only four years. He died on December 26, 1530. While his descendants ruled Hindustan for approximately 300 years, Babur's tomb ultimately rests not in India but in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Babur's Temporary Burial in Agra
Babur died in Agra at around the age of 45. Initially, he was buried in Agra's 'Aram Bagh,' a garden he himself had commissioned in 1528, considered India's oldest Mughal garden. However, Babur expressed his wish to be buried in Kabul in his autobiography. His son, Humayun, could not immediately fulfill this wish, and he was initially buried in Aram Bagh on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Reburial Fourteen Years After Death
Fourteen years after Babur's death, in 1544, his final wish was granted, and his remains were transferred to 'Bagh-e-Babur' in Kabul, Afghanistan. He had commissioned this garden in 1504 after conquering Kabul. Babur deeply missed his homeland during his time in India, a sentiment recorded in his autobiography. This explains his desire for his tomb to be in Kabul.
Babur's Tomb in Bagh-e-Babur
Babur's tomb is located in Kabul's 'Bagh-e-Babur.' This garden lies on the slopes of the Kuh-e-Sher Darwaza, southwest of Kabul's old city. Spanning approximately 11.5 hectares, it features a main gate and 15 pavilions. It offers stunning views of the Kabul River and snow-capped mountains. According to a UNESCO report, Babur's widow oversaw the transfer of his remains to Kabul in 1544, as per his wishes.
Bagh-e-Babur: A Symbol of Respect
Babur's tomb was placed in this Kabul garden because the area had served as a burial ground since the time of his ancestors. The mausoleum of the founder of the Mughal dynasty was preserved as a symbol of respect. Mughal rulers like Jahangir and Shah Jahan undertook various construction works to maintain and beautify the site.
Who Was Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur?
Babur ruled Hindustan from 1526 to 1530. He was a descendant of Timur through his father and Genghis Khan through his mother. Babur's father, Umar Shaikh Mirza, was the ruler of Fergana. Babur ascended the throne of Fergana at the tender age of 11. In 1507, he adopted the title of 'Badshah,' a title never before held by Timurid rulers.
Babur's Invasions of India
Babur invaded India several times, and in 1526, he defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat, laying the foundation of the Mughal Empire. Subsequently, he triumphed over Rana Sanga at Khanwa, Medini Rai at Chanderi, and the Afghans at Ghaghra. After these victories, he was honored with the titles of 'Qalandar' and 'Ghazi'.
Babur's son, Humayun, succeeded him, though he faced initial difficulties. Later, Akbar strengthened the empire.
