Ibrahim Lodi

 

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Ibrahim Lodi was the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate from the Lodi dynasty. He reigned from 1517 to 1526 CE and was known for his strict and arrogant rule, which led to his downfall. Born around 1480 CE, Ibrahim was the youngest son of Sikandar Lodi, a capable Afghan king who expanded the kingdom. The Lodi dynasty (1451–1526) was the last before the Mughals, and Ibrahim's mistakes invited Babur's invasion, ending 320 years of Sultanate rule. He was brave in battle but a poor leader who alienated nobles and people. His death at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 marked the start of Mughal empire in India. Ibrahim's story shows how internal fights can destroy a kingdom.

Ibrahim grew up in the royal court in Agra, the capital his father Sikandar moved from Delhi. Sikandar ruled wisely from 1489 to 1517, conquering Bihar and Bengal, promoting trade, and being fair to Hindus. Ibrahim learned military skills and administration but was hot-tempered. When Sikandar died in 1517, nobles chose Ibrahim as Sultan, but his elder brother Jalal Khan also claimed the throne. Ibrahim divided the kingdom, giving Jalal Jaunpur, but soon fought and killed him in 1518. This started his rule with blood, making enemies among Afghans.

As Sultan, Ibrahim wanted total power. He believed kings were divine and nobles should obey without question. He said, "Kingship knows no kinship," meaning family ties don't matter in rule. He removed old nobles loyal to his father and replaced them with his friends. Many Afghan chiefs, who saw themselves as equals, rebelled. For example, in 1518, nobles in Bihar revolted under Darya Khan. Ibrahim crushed it but killed many, causing more hate.

Ibrahim's policies were harsh. He increased taxes on farmers, leading to poverty. He favored some groups over others, dividing the army. The Lodi kingdom covered northern India from Punjab to Bihar, but rebellions weakened it. In Rajasthan, Rana Sanga of Mewar grew strong and attacked Ibrahim's areas. In the east, Bengal became semi-independent.

Despite problems, Ibrahim had some successes. He was a good fighter and won against rebels in Gwalior and Dholpur. He promoted culture, building mosques and supporting poets. He was religious, following Sunni Islam strictly. But he was intolerant sometimes, destroying Hindu temples during wars.

The biggest mistake was ignoring threats from outside. In Afghanistan, Babur, a Timurid prince, was building power. Ibrahim's uncle Alam Khan and noble Daulat Khan invited Babur to attack, hoping to replace Ibrahim. In 1524, Babur captured Lahore, but Ibrahim pushed him back temporarily.

In 1526, Babur invaded again with 12,000 men. Ibrahim had a huge army of 100,000 but poor leadership. At the Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526, Babur used new tactics like cannons and tulughma (flanking). Ibrahim fought bravely but was killed, his army defeated. His body was found among thousands of dead.

Ibrahim's death ended the Lodi dynasty and Sultanate. He was about 46. His tomb is in Panipat. Legacy: He is seen as a tyrant whose pride caused the fall. But some say he tried to centralize power like earlier Sultans. His rule showed Afghan disunity, helping Mughals win. Today, he is remembered as the last Sultan before Mughal glory.