Daily Times
July 16, 2021
There is that heart-reading and mysterious episode at the end of Babur’s life. Humayun is fatally ill and is on what appeared to be his death bed, and all medicines and doctors have failed. Babur is aware that he has just won India, but he will not have an heir to pass it on to create a dynasty. The Mughal Empire is over before it has even begun. He consults everyone and tries everything. He is advised a life for a life: if he gives up his most precious possession, his son’s life may be spared. The fabulous Koh-i-Noor is offered, but Babur knows it has to be his own life, and he offers it without hesitation. The family women are torn and traumatised which one will they pray for: Father or son? Here is how the episode is depicted in the epic: