Darkest Secret - Mughal King Babur
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Historically renowned as an Islamic invader of Turkic descent, Babur's conquests have been immortalized in the annals of history, marking the genesis of the blood-stained Mughal Empire. The empire, characterized by its Islamic patriarchy, is recorded to have oppressed native Indians, leaving behind a legacy of strife and subjugation.
While Babur is idolized by some radicalized and extremist factions within Islamic society, a closer examination of his personal memoirs, the Baburnama, reveals a startling revelation about his sexuality. Contrary to the idealized image of a devout Muslim ruler, Babur was a self-proclaimed bisexual, if not gay, Islamic leader.
According to accounts from the Baburnama, a 17-year-old Babur found himself deeply infatuated with a younger boy named 'Baburi' in Urdu Bazaar. The exact age of the boy remains a matter of debate, with some sources suggesting he was a teenager, while others speculate he may have been a pre-teen.
Babur's writings in the Baburnama depict his profound admiration for Baburi's beauty, as he roamed the streets pondering the boy's allure. Babur even composed verses in Turki extolling Baburi's apparent handsomeness, providing a rare glimpse into his intimate thoughts and desires.
Furthermore, historical records suggest that Babur maintained a harem populated with eunuchs, a common practice in Muslim empires of the time. Eunuchs, often castrated young boys from conquered territories, were intended to provide sexual satisfaction to the nobility within the harems. The prevalence of homosexuality in Muslim empires during this era sheds light on the broader cultural context in which Babur's personal life unfolded.
In shedding light on these lesser-known aspects of Babur's life, we are compelled to reassess our understanding of his character and legacy. Babur's complex identity challenges simplistic narratives of heroism and conquest, inviting us to explore the nuances of history with a critical and discerning eye.
As we delve deeper into the pages of history, it becomes evident that Babur's story is far more nuanced and multifaceted than the glorified image often portrayed in traditional accounts. By confronting uncomfortable truths and embracing historical complexity, we gain a deeper understanding of Babur's place in the tapestry of human experience and the enduring legacy of the Mughal Empire.
Source: The Babur-nama, LUZAC & CO, 1922
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