Which Mughal emperor fought the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 and established Mughal rule in North India?

Introduction / Context:
The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 is one of the landmark battles in Indian history because it led to the establishment of Mughal rule in North India. Identifying which Mughal emperor fought this battle is essential for understanding the origins of the Mughal empire. This question tests the student's ability to connect a decisive battle, its date, and the founding emperor.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The battle took place in 1526 at Panipat.
• The question asks which Mughal emperor fought this battle.
• Options are Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Aurangzeb.
• We assume the reference is to the battle against Ibrahim Lodi that began Mughal dominance in North India.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is to link major battles with rulers. Babur was a Central Asian ruler who invaded India and defeated Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526. This victory allowed him to lay the foundations of the Mughal empire. Humayun, Akbar, and Aurangzeb were his successors and therefore could not have fought the founding battle that brought the dynasty to India. Remembering the year 1526 with the name Babur is a basic fact in history.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the First Battle of Panipat occurred in 1526 and involved Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. Step 2: Note that Babur emerged victorious and then established his rule at Delhi and Agra. Step 3: Recognise that Humayun, Akbar, and Aurangzeb ruled later as successors in the Mughal line. Step 4: Since the founder and first major conqueror in India was Babur, select Babur from the options.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can further verify by recalling that there were three famous battles of Panipat. The first in 1526 involved Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, the second in 1556 involved Akbar's forces and Hemu, and the third in 1761 involved the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali. The year 1526 clearly belongs to Babur, confirming the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Humayun: He was Babur's son and succeeded him after 1530, so he could not have fought the 1526 battle as emperor.
Akbar: He was involved indirectly in the second Battle of Panipat (1556) through his regent Bairam Khan, not the first one.
Aurangzeb: He ruled much later in the seventeenth century and is not connected with the Panipat battles in this way.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the three Panipat battles and mix up the rulers associated with each. A helpful memory tip is: First Panipat (1526) Babur versus Lodi, Second Panipat (1556) Akbar's forces versus Hemu, Third Panipat (1761) Marathas versus Ahmad Shah Abdali. Keeping this triple pattern clear avoids errors in exam questions.

Final Answer:
The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 was fought by Babur, who then established Mughal rule in North India.