204. Babur: The First Mughal Emperor

In this episode of "Empire," co-hosts Afua Hirsch and William Dalrymple delve into the life of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, coinciding with an exhibition at the Victorian Albert Museum. They discuss Babur's autobiography, the Babur Nama, highlighting his complex character as both an invader and a cultured individual with interests in nature, art, and personal relationships, challenging the divisive views held about him, particularly by Hindu nationalists. The hosts explore Babur's lineage, tracing his descent from both Genghis Khan and Timur, and detail his early life in Fergana, modern-day Uzbekistan, his loss of his ancestral lands to the Uzbeks, and his subsequent capture of Kabul, setting the stage for his future conquests. They also touch on his personal life, including his complex relationships and his appreciation for the finer things in life, such as gardens and poetry.