“Lack of centralized political control was the most important reason for the rise of Mughal power in India.” Discuss.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the merits of the statement. Links must be made between the suggested factors and the way they contributed to the rise of Mughal power. In support of the statement candidates may consider the fact that Lodi power was declining, that there were many defectors, the Rajput confederacy was unable to unite and that Daulat Khan, the governor of Lahore, had invited Babur to save him from Ibrahim Lodi. Consideration of other factors may include Babur’s military might and careful planning, his heavy guns and cannons and his superior Turkish-style artillery. His leadership and oratorical skills as well as his final defeat of the Afghan and Bengali forces raised by Mahmud Lodi may also be referenced.