The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526 between the forces of the invading Babur and the last Sultan of the Lodi dynasty, Ibrahim Lodi. This battle was pivotal in establishing Mughal dominance in India. Babur, who was a descendant of Timur on his father's side and Genghis Khan on his mother's side, sought to expand his influence in the region. He assembled a relatively small but well-trained army, including skilled archers and artillery, an unfamiliar force in Indian warfare at the time. Ibrahim Lodi, bolstered by a larger army, underestimated Babur's tactical prowess and sophisticated use of artillery.

The battle commenced on April 21 in the vicinity of Panipat, a significant location due to its role as a historical battleground. Babur's forces utilized clever military strategies, including the use of mobile artillery and the ploy of creating a defensive wall with carts that allowed for controlled firing against the advancing Lodi troops. Despite the Lodi forces' numerical advantage, the effectiveness of Babur's tactics led to a devastating defeat for Ibrahim Lodi, who was subsequently killed in battle.

Following the victory, Babur proclaimed the establishment of the Mughal Empire, which would go on to rule vast territories in India for centuries. This battle not only changed the political landscape of the region but also marked the beginning of an era characterized by significant cultural and economic developments under Mughal rule.