Bodawpaya vs Humayun

Bodawpaya launched a massive invasion of Siam with nine armies totaling over 140,000 men. The campaign aimed to conquer the newly established Rattanakosin kingdom. However, the invasion was repelled by Siamese forces under King Rama I, marking a major defeat.

Bodawpaya's forces conquered the kingdom of Arakan (Rakhine) on the western coast of Burma. The annexation brought the region under Konbaung control and led to the flight of many Arakanese refugees into British India, creating tensions with the British East India Company.

Bodawpaya began construction of the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, a massive unfinished stupa near Mandalay. The project was abandoned after a prophecy that its completion would bring disaster. The structure remains the largest pile of bricks in the world.

Bodawpaya commissioned the casting of the Mingun Bell, the largest functioning bell in the world at the time. Weighing over 90 tons, it was intended for a massive pagoda at Mingun. The bell remains a major historical artifact and tourist attraction.

Humayun's army was defeated by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri at Chausa in Bihar. Humayun barely escaped with his life, reportedly crossing the Ganges River on a water skin. This defeat led to the loss of Mughal control over Bengal and Bihar, weakening Humayun's position.

Humayun was decisively defeated by Sher Shah Suri at Kannauj (also known as the Battle of Bilgram). This defeat forced Humayun to flee India entirely, seeking refuge in Persia. Sher Shah Suri established the Sur Empire, which ruled northern India for the next 15 years.

Humayun, with military support from the Safavid Shah Tahmasp I, recaptured Delhi and Agra from the Sur Empire. He defeated the Sur forces at the Battle of Sirhind. This victory restored the Mughal Empire in India, though Humayun died shortly after, leaving the empire to his son Akbar.

Humayun died after falling down the stairs of his library in Delhi. He was reportedly carrying a load of books when he heard the call to prayer and slipped. His death occurred just months after restoring the Mughal Empire, leaving his 13-year-old son Akbar as his successor.