Battles & Campaigns · 1540
Battle of Kannauj
Near Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India
What happened
The Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri fought the Mughal emperor Humayun. Near Kannauj on the Ganges, Sher Shah made a surprise attack on the Mughal flank to cut them off from the river. The Mughal guns never got into position, Mughal soldiers began leaving their posts, and Humayun retreated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Sher Shah became ruler of Delhi and founded the Sur Empire. Humayun was forced into exile for about fifteen years.
What came next
Sher Shah's forces chased Humayun toward Lahore.
Did you know?
Kannauj is known as India's 'perfume capital', with more than 200 perfume distilleries.
Timeline
- 606-647Emperor Harsha makes Kannauj his capital.
- 17 May 1540Sher Shah defeats Humayun at Kannauj.
- 2014Kannauj perfume receives a Geographical Indication tag.