Siege of Dibalpur, mid January 1524

The siege of Dibalpur (modern Dipalpur) of January 1524 was the second and final military success during Babur's fourth expedition into India, coming after his victory at Lahore earlier in the month. Babur had not been expecting to fight at Lahore, which had been the domain of Daulat Khan, but Daulat had been deposed by Ibrahim Lodi, the sultan of Delhi. Babur was forced to fight a battle outside the city, winning his first victory over an army from Delhi. After capturing the city he then turned south-west to attack Dibalpur.

In 1524 Dibalpur was surrounded by a 25ft high wall, itself surrounded by a deep ditch, which dated back at least to the fourteenth century reign of Firoz Shah Tughluq (sultan from 1351 to 1388). Despite this fortification Babur was able to capture the town by assault, putting the garrison to the sword.

Only after the fall of Dibalpur was Babur joined by his Indian ally Daulat Khan, the deposed governor of Lahore. Daulat was clearly expecting Babur to restore Lahore to him, but instead Babur gave him Jalandhar and Sultanpur. At this stage Daulat realised that Babur would not be the pliant ally he had been hoping for, and he hatched a plot to divide Babur's army and defeat it in detail. This plot was betrayed to Babur by Daulat's son Dilawar. Daulat was arrested and deposed and his lands given to Dilawar. Babur then appointed governors to his new conquests and returned to Kabul to raise a larger army.

How to cite this article: Rickard, J (14 May 2010), Siege of Dibalpur, mid January 1524 , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/siege_dibalpur.html

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