The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 was fought between which two major contenders for power in north India?

Introduction / Context:
The First Battle of Panipat, fought in 1526, is a landmark event in Indian history because it marked the beginning of Mughal rule in north India. The battle brought together Babur, a Central Asian ruler with artillery and cavalry, and the Afghan Sultan of Delhi. Identifying the correct opponent of Babur in this battle is essential for understanding how the Delhi Sultanate came to an end.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The battle in question is the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
• Babur is one of the combatants.
• Options list several possible opponents: Daulat Khan, Ibrahim Lodi, Alam Khan, and Rana Sanga.

Concept / Approach:
The last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate s Lodi dynasty was Ibrahim Lodi. He faced Babur at Panipat in 1526, where Babur used artillery and superior tactics to defeat him. Other figures like Daulat Khan Lodi and Alam Khan invited Babur to invade but did not meet him as primary opponents on the battlefield at Panipat. Rana Sanga fought Babur later at the Battle of Khanwa, not at Panipat.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the First Battle of Panipat was between Babur and the reigning Sultan of Delhi. Step 2: Identify Ibrahim Lodi as the last Sultan of the Lodi dynasty. Step 3: Note that Daulat Khan and Alam Khan were Afghan nobles who sought Babur s help against Ibrahim Lodi. Step 4: Remember that Rana Sanga, ruler of Mewar, fought Babur in a later battle at Khanwa. Step 5: Conclude that the two main opponents at Panipat were Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard timeline of Mughal history confirms that Babur defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526, leading to the decline of the Delhi Sultanate and establishment of Mughal rule.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Babur did not fight Daulat Khan or Alam Khan as principal opponents at Panipat; they played background political roles. Rana Sanga confronted Babur later and at a different battlefield. Therefore, these options do not correctly describe the First Battle of Panipat.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different battles fought by Babur and incorrectly link Rana Sanga to Panipat. Learning the sequence Panipat, Khanwa, and Ghagra helps keep these events clear.

Final Answer:
The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.