Ibrahim Lodi
Immortality, saltpetre and Bengal’s first weapon of war
His father was the ruler of Fergana in Uzbekistan. Conspirators overthrew him and seized the throne. The king was killed. The son took refuge in the remote mountains surrounded by deep forests. From there, he carried out rapid raids, capturing small caravans to gather troops and resources. Each successful attack made him stronger. Later, he regained control of Fergana. Growing even more powerful, he advanced further south. At one point, he even conquered the whole of Afghanistan. Then he set his sights on India, like a bird aiming for its prey. His dream grew bigger. With a vast army and entourage, he arrived at the banks of the Indus River. At that time, the throne of India was held by Ibrahim Lodi — a formidable emperor. Defeating him required something extraordinary. That special thing the young man had acquired from the Turks: a large iron pipe with two wheels on either side.