“The Mughal Empire was secure by the end of Babur’s reign.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Mughal Empire was secure by the end of Babur’s reign. Candidates may adopt a chronological approach that contextualises Babur’s reign prior to the given timeframe, but this must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to key battles between 1524 and 1528 and the expansion of Babur’s territory into northern India, and identify that this was the beginning of the Mughal Empire, which he ruled until 1530. Candidates may also consider the power struggles of his successor, Humayun, who initially lost and then regained territory by 1555, to argue that the Mughal Empire was not completely secure by the end of Babur’s reign. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, diplomatic alliances, religious toleration, cultural developments and economic policies, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.