Question

Who was the first to use gunpowder in India?
1. Allauddin Khilji
2. Nawab Siraj-ud-Daullah
3. Sher Shah Suri
4. Babur

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Babur

The correct answer is Babur.

• Babur was the first to use gunpowder in India.

• Babur (1526 AD-1530 AD):
  • The foundation of the Mughal rule in India was laid by Babur in 1526 AD.
  • He was invited to attack India by Daulat Khan Lodhi, subedar of Punjab, Alam Khan Lodhi uncle of Ibrahim Lodhi and Rana Sanga.
  • Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526 AD, and established the Mughal dynasty.
  • In 1527 AD, he defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar at Khanwa.
  • In 1528 AD, he defeated Medini Rai of Chanderi at Chanderi.
  • In 1529 AD, he defeated Muhammad Lodhi at Ghaghra.
  • Babur was the first ruler to entitle himself ‘Badshah’.
  • His victory led to the rapid popularisation of gunpowder and artillery in India.
  • After the Kushanas, he was the first to bring Kabul and Kandahar into the Indian empire.
  • He died in 1530 AD, buried at Aram Bagh in Agra. 
  • He adopted Tughluma and flanking party system and was the first to use gunpowder and artillery in India.
  • He wrote his autobiography Tuzuk-i-Baburi in Turki language.
  • Tuzuk-i-Baburi was translated in Persian (named Baburnama) by Abdur Rahim Khankhana and in English by Madam Beveridge.
  • He compiled two anthologies of poems, Diwan (in the Turkish language) and Mubaiyan (in the Persian language).
    • He also wrote Risal-i-Usaz or Letters of Babur.

• Allauddin Khilji introduced the system of Dagh (the branding of the horse) and Chehra (descriptive role of soldiers).
  • He also built the palace of thousand pillars called ‘Hazar Sutun’, Hauz Khas and Jamiat Khana post and built his capital at Siri.
  • He adopted the title Sikandar-i-Sahni.
• During the time of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daullah, the Blackhole tragedy took place.
  • The Battle of Plassey was fought between Robert Clive and Siraj-ud-Daullah.
• Sher Shah Suri's real name was Farid.
  • During his time land was measured using the Sikandar-i-gaz.