The Story of Babur
What’s inside...
This is the story of Babur, the first Mughal emperor of Hindustan, based on the Babur Nama. It details his early life as he descended from legendary conquerors Chenghis Khan and Amir Temur, losing kingdoms and wandering through the Uzbek mountains before becoming a king and eventually the emperor. Babur's life is depicted through Mughal miniature style paintings in this action-packed tale that captivates both children and adults.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-14
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Babur felt when he had to make big decisions as a young king?
What qualities do you admire in Babur and why?
If you were in Babur’s place, how would you handle the challenges he faced?
What can we learn from Babur’s journey about leadership and perseverance?
How do you think the story of Babur connects to our lives today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the story more vivid and engaging as you read.
Relate the challenges Babur faces to challenges your child might face, like moving to a new place or starting at a new school.
Discuss the historical context of the story briefly to give your child a grounding in the setting and times of Babur.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Babur’s world - ask what they would wear, eat, or do.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or write a short letter to Babur.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases Babur, who faces numerous challenges but continually strives to overcome them, demonstrating perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether in school projects, sports, or personal challenges, fostering a never-give-up attitude.
Example Lesson: Value of knowledge and learning
Explanation: Babur is depicted as a keen learner, always curious and eager to gain knowledge, which ultimately aids his successes.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace learning and curiosity in their everyday school work and hobbies, enhancing their education and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: Babur's role as a leader is highlighted through his decisions and actions that affect many people.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of making thoughtful decisions and taking responsibility in leadership roles, such as being a class monitor or in group projects.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Babur shows empathy towards his people and understands different perspectives, which helps him to be a fair and beloved leader.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of empathy in everyday interactions and encourages them to understand and respect diverse perspectives among peers.
Example Lesson: Courage to embrace change
Explanation: Babur often ventures into the unknown, which teaches him to adapt and embrace change, a critical trait for any leader.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, try new activities, and be open to changes in life, like moving to a new school or trying a new sport.