Causes behind the Defeat of Rajputs from Babur

There were so many causes of defeat of Rajput or the victory of Babur. But some important causes were as under:

1. Treachery of Siladi of Raisin:

He was the Rajput ally of Rana Sanga and he had promised to fight for the common Rajput cause. In the thick of the light he deserted Rana Sanga and went over to Babur for the latter is said to have influenced him his own favour. This treacherous behaviour on the part of Siladi of Raisin broke the heart of the Rajputs and adversely affected their lot in the battle.

2. Use of Cannons by Babur:

Babur used cannons in the Battle of Kanwah. On the other hand, Rajputs were fully unaware of this device. Horses of Rajputs could not face the cannons and so the army of Rana Sanga was shattered.

3. Babur as a Commander:

Babur was a very capable commander. His techniques of warfare brought him success once more. In the face stringent contingencies he exhibited rare patience and courage which made him an outstanding leader of his time. He promised that after victory he would allow leave to every one who wanted to go home.

4. Declaration of holy war (Jihad):

Babur had declared a holy war against the Rana Sanga and he reminded his men that he was fighting for the glorification of his religion. The response was instantaneous and enthusiastic. Everyone swore of the Holy Quran and by the divorce of his wife that he would fight to the end and stand by Babur. The spirit of his troops was thus completely restored, and he won the Battle against the Rajputs.

5. Disunity of Rajputs:

The Rajputs were not united. There were great dissensions between them, and due to the victory of Babur in this battle, whatever unity was left in them also ended.

6. Role of Ustad Ali:

Ustad Ali, the Captain of Babur’s Artillery must also share the credit of this victory. It were his huge balls which threw the Rajputs into confusion.

7. Responsibility of Rana Sanga:

Some historians are of the opinion that though Rana Sanga was a brave soldier but he was not a statesmen of high order. According to Dr. Sharma in his relation with Babur he showed vacillation and want of decisions and firmness………………………..

He failed to proceed and capture Agra which he owe to have done immediately after Babur had moved South of the Punjab to fight against Ibrahim Lodi. Had he done so, he would not have acquired the immense treasures and resources that lay stored in that town but also the support of the entire race of the Indian Afghans.

Moreover luck did not favour Rana Sanga. He was wounded during the course of the battle and failed to provide leadership to his soldiers at the critical moment. It also demoralized his soldiers. However, these can be counted only as subsidiary causes of the defeat of the Rajputs.

8. Disciplined Army:

Babur’s army was small, disciplined and experienced, but the Rajput army was a large crowd of indisciplined, inexperienced mercenaries.