JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 15, issue 02, 2025
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Marjona Said kizi Burieva
3rd-year student of the Archaeology Department
Faculty of History,
National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirza Ulugbek
E-mail:
“BOBURNOMA” AS AN ETHNOGRAPHIC SOURCE
Abstract:
This article analyzes the life, culture, customs, social structure, and ethnographic
features of the peoples of Central Asia, Afghanistan, and India during the 15th–16th centuries as
reflected in Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur’s work “Boburnoma.” The author provides rich and
detailed descriptions of everyday life, lifestyle, flora and fauna, cities, language, and traditions of
the population based on his personal observations. In particular, the socio-ceremonial traditions
mentioned by Babur are considered an important source for ethnological research.
Keywords:
Boburnoma, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, ethnology, folk customs, ethnographic
source, Central Asia, Afghanistan, India, historical-ethnographic observations, social life.
Introduction.
The complex historical processes and cultural transformations that took place in Central Asia,
Afghanistan, and India in the early 16th century are at the center of numerous scholarly studies.
In particular, Boburnoma, written by Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, is considered a crucial
source for fully and accurately portraying the events and atmosphere of that period.
Boburnoma is not only a record of political and military history but also a unique written legacy
that reflects the author’s life, worldview, scientific observations, and cultural-ethnographic
thinking. Babur’s detailed accounts of the customs, language, and cultural life of his
contemporaries, as well as his attitudes toward nature and the animal world, and his observations
on new plant species introduced into India, further enhance the scholarly value of the work.
For this reason, Boburnoma is regarded not only as a historical source but also as an early
example of Eastern ethnographic and natural-geographic observation culture, and it continues to
be widely studied in modern research.
Methods.
The following methods were employed in this study: first, contextual analysis of the text was
conducted to examine the historical, ethnological, cultural, and natural information presented in
the work. Second, through the historical-comparative method, the data found in Boburnoma were
compared with other historical sources and modern research. Third, based on the ethnographic
approach, the author’s observations related to flora and fauna were analyzed to explore their
connection with the natural and cultural conditions of the time.
These methods allowed for a detailed examination of the historical and cultural aspects of
Boburnoma.
Literature Review.
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The selected literature serves as a primary source for studying various aspects of Boburnoma.
Ibragimova G.A. [1] analyzed Boburnoma as a historical source on the life of ancient
Mawarannahr and its peoples. B.A. Yunusova and J.Z. Sobirov [5] summarized global scholars’
approaches and research on the work, highlighting its significance on a global scale. Z.A.
Khidirova [4] focused on the recognition and appreciation of Boburnoma within the international
scientific community. O. Mirsaidova [2] examined the ethnography of India depicted in the work,
emphasizing the uniqueness of Babur’s ethnographic observations. The publication by the
Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan [3] provides precise information on the original manuscript
of Babur’s work and other historical sources. Additionally, online resources [6,7] offer modern
research and supplementary data.
This collection of sources strengthens the scientific foundation of the study and facilitates a
deeper exploration of the historical, cultural, and ethnographic aspects of Boburnoma.
Discussion and Conclusion.
Many significant historical events that took place in Central Asia, Afghanistan, and India during
the 15th–16th centuries are reflected in Boburnoma. The work portrays Babur’s military
campaigns, victories, and defeats, as well as important turning points in his life journey.
The exact time when Boburnoma was written remains unknown, as Babur himself did not
provide any information on this in the text. However, according to his daughter Gulbadan Begim
in her work Humayunnama, Babur commissioned a polo ground in the city of Sikri in India and
worked on the book while residing there [1]. This information sheds light on the environment
and conditions under which Boburnoma was created. The fact that Babur wrote the book in
Sikri—a political center of the Mughal dynasty at that time—suggests that the political and
cultural context of the city influenced the work. Sikri likely provided a conducive creative
atmosphere for the author.
Moreover, Babur wrote Boburnoma not during military campaigns but in relatively peaceful
times, which allowed the work to serve not merely as a memoir but as a well-thought-out
historical, ethnographic, and cultural source based on careful observations. In it, the author offers
detailed information not only about his victories and defeats but also about the customs of his
people, clothing culture, hunting, falconry, as well as the flora and fauna of the period.
From this perspective, Boburnoma can be evaluated not only as a historical chronicle but also as
a product of the author’s worldview, scientific observations, and ethnographic reflection.
Although Babur established political power in India, he also emerged as a figure who gave great
importance to science, culture, and leaving a written legacy.
Chavgan (polo) — a team sport played on horseback — literally means “bent stick” in Persian.
This game originated among herders in the Eastern regions and later became a training exercise
for mounted soldiers. Eastern peoples called the ball “ghoy” and the curved stick “chavgan.” The
first polo competition was held in Great Britain in 1871, after which the game spread first to
Europe and then to America [7]. Thus, polo is historically and ethnographically an important
tradition. Babur’s construction of a polo field reflects not only his personal interest but also the
political and cultural significance of the game. Polo played a crucial role in the lives of
commanders and nobles as a form of physical training, military exercise, and entertainment
tradition.
In the work Boburnoma written by Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, interesting information is
provided not only about the history, geographical features, lifestyle, and cultural life of the
JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 15, issue 02, 2025
ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431
ILMIY METODIK JURNAL
regions of Central Asia, Afghanistan, and India but also about the flora and fauna. In the book,
the author describes the external structure of animals and plants, their habitat characteristics, and
their similarities and differences based on his personal observations. The American researcher
Berk briefly yet meaningfully characterizes Babur, revealing his prominent figure, role in state
governance, and personal qualities in a concise manner[6].
Some Western scholars associate the creation of Boburnoma with the period of Babur’s rule in
India. The French translator Pave de Curteil states that the work was begun in 1526 — after
Babur’s conquest of India — and continued until the end of his life. He bases this conclusion on
the fact that events from the Indian period are described from the very beginning of the book.
Pave de Curteil translated Boburnoma into French and contributed significantly to the study and
promotion of Babur’s legacy. Through his translation, Babur’s life attracted the attention of
many scholars[5].
The observations on flora and fauna in Boburnoma are close to the emerging classification and
observation methods of natural sciences in Europe at that time. Although Babur did not write in
scientific terminology, his descriptions are based on precise and detailed observations. This
makes Boburnoma one of the early notable examples of ethnographic and natural-geographical
observation culture in Eastern literature. The attention of Western researchers such as Pave de
Curteil and Berk to this work confirms that historical and cultural thinking was also highly
developed in the East. Especially in the chapters written after Babur arrived in India, his
approach to the local natural and cultural environment, comparing it with his own culture, can be
seen as an early form of ethnographic perspective and a fascinating subject for research.
In Boburnoma, important information is provided about the peoples of Mawarannahr,
Afghanistan, Khorasan, and India, including their languages, cultures, customs, occupations,
social structures, and ceremonies. The work offers detailed descriptions of the geography, nature,
climate, and life of the population in cities such as Fergana, Andijan, Samarkand, Kabul, Herat,
and Agra. Particularly, the information about the customs and military art of the Qaraqoyunlu
and Turkmen-Mongol tribes serves as an important scientific source for ethnic studies[4]. Babur
wrote these details not as a historian or sociologist but as someone who lived in and actively
governed these regions. Therefore, his depictions are not mere observations but are based on
practical experience. This makes Boburnoma a unique source not only in literature but also from
ethnographic and anthropological perspectives.
The following information is taken from Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur’s Boburnoma, providing
detailed and precise data about the Mawarannahr region of that time, especially the city of
Andijan:
“In Mawarannahr, after Samarkand and Kish, Andijan is considered the largest city. It has three
gates, and the citadel is located on the southern side. Nine irrigation channels bring water to the
citadel from one place, which is remarkable. Around the citadel, there is a moat whose stone
embankment has become a royal promenade. The citadel is surrounded by various
neighborhoods, separated from each other by moats.”
In the region, bird hunting was well developed, especially for partridges, which were numerous
and fat. According to legends, four people could not finish eating one partridge. The population
is Turkic, and everyone understands the Turkic language. The works of Alisher Navoi are easily
understood here. The city’s residents stand out for their beautiful appearance and eloquent
speech. The famous musician Khoja Yusuf also hails from Andijan. However, the air here is
somewhat stagnant, and malaria is common in autumn[3].
JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 15, issue 02, 2025
ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431
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Reliable information about the flora of early 16th-century India is found in Boburnoma. The list
of fruit-bearing and ornamental plants compiled by Babur remains scientifically and practically
important today. He extensively describes the beauty of local ornamental plants, highlighting
their aesthetic value. According to the data, fragrant Persian roses were first brought to India by
Babur himself[2]. These aspects allow Boburnoma to be valued not only as a political and
military history but also as a valuable source for ecological and cultural studies.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The work Boburnoma, besides its historical and literary value, serves as an important source in
shedding light on the ancient ethnographic conditions of the regions of Mawarannahr and India.
The depiction of the lives, customs, social relations, and cultural traditions of the peoples in the
text creates new opportunities in the fields of tourism and ethnography. In particular, it is evident
that Boburnoma can be used as a source to deepen the understanding of history and culture and
to organize engaging cultural routes for international tourists. This, in turn, contributes to the
development of interregional tourism and promotes the preservation and dissemination of
national values.
Based on this, the following recommendations are proposed:
1. Organization of tourist routes and exhibitions: Special tourist routes, exhibitions, and
interactive displays should be established based on historical sources and archaeological
monuments to fully convey the content and significance of the work to visitors.
2. Deepening scientific research: It is necessary to expand multidisciplinary scientific research in
archaeology, anthropology, and cultural studies to more thoroughly study the ethnographic
aspects described in Boburnoma. This will also positively impact tourism development.
These approaches will further enhance Boburnoma’s contribution to modern tourism and
ethnography and help promote our country’s historical heritage on a global scale.
Referenses:
1. Ibragimova G. A. “Boburnoma” asari qadimgi Movarounnahr va undagi xalqlar hayoti haqida
so‘zlaydi // International scientific journal “Interpretation and researches”. – 2024. – T. 1, №2
(48). – B. 66–69. – ISSN 2181-4163.
2. Mirsaidova O. "Boburnoma"da Hindiston etnografiyasi // Ilm-fan yangiliklari konferensiyasi
materiallari. – Andijon, 2024. – 30-may. – B. 192.
3. O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Fanlar akademiyasi, Alisher Navoiy nomidagi Davlat adabiyot
muzeyi. Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur. Boburnoma. Vaqoe’. – Toshkent: “FAN” nashriyoti,
2018. – B. 5–6.
4. Xidirova Z.A. “Boburnoma” jahon tan olgan asar // Scientific Progress. – 2021. – Vol. 2, Issue
1. – B. 1076–1078. – URL: www.scientificprogress.uz.
5. Yunusova B.A., Sobirov J.Z. “Boburnoma” asari jahon olimlari tadqiqotida // Eurasian Journal
of Academic Research. – 2022. – Vol. 2, Issue 2. – B. 209. DOI:
JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 15, issue 02, 2025
ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431
ILMIY METODIK JURNAL
6.https://hp.jdpu.uz/index.php/ppmedu/article/download/5765/4105/14364
7. https://oyina.uz/uz/teahause/87
