Mohammad Lodi

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Mohammad Lodi, often referred to as Mahmud Lodi in historical texts (with "Mohammad" likely a variant or misTranscription), was a key figure in the final days of the Delhi Sultanate. He was the younger brother of Sultan Ibrahim Lodi, the last Lodi ruler. Born around 1490 CE in an Afghan family, Mahmud belonged to the Lodi dynasty, which ruled from 1451 to 1526. The Lodis were Pashtun (Afghan) nobles who took power after the Sayyid dynasty. Mahmud's life was marked by political turmoil, resistance against the Mughals, and attempts to revive Afghan rule after the Sultanate's fall. He is remembered for his role in the Battle of Ghaghra (1529), where he fought Babur, the Mughal founder. Mahmud's story shows the Afghan nobles' struggle to hold on to power as the Sultanate collapsed. He died around 1545, ending the Lodi line's hopes. Though not a Sultan himself, he was proclaimed one by supporters, making him a symbol of Afghan pride and resistance.

Early Life and Family

Mahmud Lodi was born in Delhi or Agra during Sikandar Lodi's reign (1489–1517), his father. Sikandar was a strong king who expanded the Sultanate to Bihar and Bengal, promoted trade, and built cities. Mahmud had brothers like Ibrahim, who became Sultan in 1517. The family was Pashtun, known for warrior traditions. Mahmud grew up in the royal court, learning horse-riding, archery, and administration. Afghans valued tribal loyalty, so Mahmud was raised to see nobles as equals, not servants.

When Ibrahim took the throne, Mahmud supported him but saw his brother's mistakes. Ibrahim was arrogant, alienating Afghan chiefs by treating them badly. This caused rebellions. Mahmud stayed loyal but couldn't stop the growing discontent. In 1526, Babur invaded and defeated Ibrahim at the First Battle of Panipat. Ibrahim died in battle, and the Lodi rule ended. Babur founded the Mughal Empire, capturing Delhi and Agra.

Mahmud escaped the battle and went to Bihar, where many Afghan nobles were strong. He gathered supporters who hated the Mughals. They proclaimed him Sultan Mahmud Shah Lodi in 1528, hoping to revive the dynasty. This was not official, as Mughals controlled Delhi, but it showed Afghan unity against foreign invaders (Babur was from Central Asia).

Role in Resistance Against Mughals

Mahmud's main achievement was leading the Afghan resistance. After Panipat, Afghans were scattered but still powerful in eastern areas like Bihar and Bengal. Mahmud allied with Nusrat Shah, the Sultan of Bengal, who gave him troops and money. In 1529, they formed a big army to fight Babur.

The key battle was the Battle of Ghaghra (also called Battle of Gogara) in May 1529 near the Ghaghra River in Bihar. Babur had 20,000 men with cannons, while Mahmud and Nusrat had over 100,000 soldiers and many war elephants. Babur used smart tactics, crossing the river at night and attacking from sides. His guns scared the elephants, which trampled their own army. Mahmud fought bravely but lost. Many Afghans died, and Mahmud fled to Bengal.

This defeat ended major Afghan hopes. Babur made peace with Nusrat Shah, who betrayed Mahmud by not helping more. Mahmud wandered as a fugitive, trying small rebellions. In 1530–1531, he joined Sher Khan (later Sher Shah Suri) in Bihar, but Sher Khan rose as the new Afghan leader. Mahmud lived in exile, possibly in Bengal or Bihar, and died around 1545 from illness or in a minor fight.

Legacy and Impact

Mahmud Lodi's legacy is as a symbol of Afghan resistance. He couldn't revive the Sultanate, but his efforts inspired later leaders like Sher Shah Suri, who defeated Mughals in 1540 and started the Sur dynasty. Mahmud showed the Lodis' fighting spirit, even in defeat. Historians like Babur (in Baburnama) called him brave but unlucky. In Afghan folklore, he is a hero against invaders.

His life highlights the Sultanate's decline. Internal fights among Afghans helped Mughals win. Mahmud's failure also showed the rise of new powers like Sher Khan. Today, he is mentioned in history books as the last Lodi claimant, marking the end of an era before Mughal dominance.