Kamran Mirza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kamran Mirzaکامران مرزا |
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| Shahzada of the Mughal Empire | |||||
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Portrait of Kamran, c. 1600-1605
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| Ruler of Kabul and Kandahar | |||||
| Reign | 1531 – 23 October 1553 | ||||
| Born | 1512 Kabul, Timurid Empire (present-day Afghanistan) |
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| Died | 5 October 1557 (aged of 47-48) Makkah, Ottoman Empire (present-day Saudi Arabia) |
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| House | House of Babur | ||||
| Dynasty |  Timurid dynasty |
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| Father | Babur | ||||
| Mother | Gulrukh Begum | ||||
| Religion | Sunni Islam (Hanafi) | ||||
Kamran Mirza (Persian: کامران میرزا) (1512 – 5 October 1557) was an important prince of the Mughal Empire. He was the second son of Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire. Kamran Mirza was born in Kabul. His mother was Gulrukh Begum.
Kamran was the half-brother of Humayun, who became the next Mughal Emperor. But he was the full-brother of Askari. Kamran was also known for writing poetry in Persian and Chagatai.
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Kamran's Role During Babur's Reign
While his father, Babur, was busy conquering northern India starting in 1525, Kamran stayed in Kandahar. His job was to protect the northern borders of the empire. He was still in charge of this area when his father died in 1530.
According to the historian Abul Fazl, Babur told Humayun to always be kind to his brothers. He said this even if they did things that deserved punishment.
Kamran's Actions in India
In 1538, Kamran entered India with 12,000 soldiers. This happened while Humayun was fighting in Bengal. It seemed Kamran came to help stop a rebellion by his brother Hindal. Hindal was rebelling against Humayun.
However, even though Humayun asked for help, Kamran did not offer any. After Humayun lost the Battle of Chausa, Kamran refused to let Humayun command his troops. Kamran was more interested in gaining power for himself. Seeing no chance to get what he wanted, Kamran went back to Lahore.
Rivalry with Emperor Humayun
Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the Battle of Kannauj in May 1540. Sher Shah then became the new ruler of northern India. He ordered Humayun to leave India.
Humayun went back to Kabul. But Kamran did not want to give the city back to his brother. At this point, Kamran secretly offered to help Sher Shah. He asked for the Punjab in return. Sher Shah refused his offer. Humayun's advisors told him to kill Kamran, but Humayun refused to do so.
After many failed attempts to get his throne back, Humayun crossed the Indus River in 1543. Instead of welcoming him, Kamran sent his younger brother Askari to capture Humayun. Humayun managed to escape. He found safety with the ruler of Persia, Shah Tahmasp I.
While Humayun was in Persia, Kamran offered Shah Tahmasp the city of Kandahar. In return, he wanted the Shah to hand Humayun over to him. However, Shah Tahmasp supported Humayun in this family fight. He gave Humayun soldiers to defeat Kamran.
Battles Over Kabul
Humayun was able to enter Kabul in November 1545 without a fight. Kamran's rule had been very harsh. The people of Kabul were eager to get rid of him.
After being forced to flee, Kamran managed to take Kabul back two more times. But he was still hated by the people of the city. His times in power involved cruel acts against many citizens.
After being kicked out of Kabul for the third and final time, Kamran went to the court of Humayun's enemy. This was the Afghan king Islam Shah in Delhi in 1552. Kamran hoped to form an alliance against his brother. But Islam Shah rejected his idea. Islam Shah arrested Kamran. He then sent his trusted advisor Hemu to hand Kamran over to Humayun in Kabul.
Kamran ki Baradari: A Special Building
There is an important building in Lahore that Kamran had built. It is called Kamran ki Baradari. The word Bara means twelve, and dar means doors. So, it was a building with twelve doors.
Kamran ki Baradari was built on the bank of the River Ravi. Over time, the river changed its path. Now, the building stands in the water like an island. The gardens around it have also been damaged.
Exile and Death
Humayun did not want to kill his rebellious brother. But he was convinced that something had to be done. So, he sadly ordered Kamran to be blinded.
Humayun then sent Kamran to perform the Hajj. This is a pilgrimage to Mecca. Kamran died there in 1557. After Kamran's death, Humayun took control of Kabul from Kamran Mirza's sons. He sent them to Attock Fort.
Kamran Mirza's Family
Kamran Mirza had several wives and many children. He had two sons and five daughters.
