The Akbarī Generations 12: Eighth year of the Reign.

12

The beginning of this year corresponded with Wednesday, 18th Rajab, 970 H. (13 March, 1563 A.D.). A tragical event occurred in the course of this year. Adham Khán Kokaltásh, son of Máham Anka, could not endure to see the elevation of his compeers. In the presumption of youth, and pride of wealth and station, he yielded to the incentives of Shahábu-d dín Ahmad Khán, Mu'nim Khán Khán-khánán, and several other nobles, and murdered Khán-i 'azam [Shamsu-d dín Muhammad Atka], then prime minister, as he was sitting in his public office. Then trusting to the favour and kindness which had been shown to him by the Emperor, he went and stood at the door of the harem. His Majesty rushed out of the harem, sword in hand, and the assassin was bound hand and foot, and cast over the parapet in punishment of his crime. This murder was committed on the morning of Sunday, 12th Ramazán, 970 H. All those who had taken part in the conspiracy fled, and hid themselves through fear of punishment. Mu'nim Khán and Muhammad Kásim Khán Mír-i bahr (commander of the boats) went over the Jumna, and destroyed the bridge by which they crossed. Shahábu-d dín Ahmad Khán Naishápúrí concealed himself. His Majesty showed great solicitude for the sons of the deceased minister, and for Máham Anka; but the latter, in anger and in grief for her son, fell ill and died forty days afterwards.
Next day (after the murder) Ashraf Khan Mir-munshi received orders to seek out and bring back to His Majesty Mu'nim Khan, Shahabu-d din Ahmad Khan, and Kasim Khan. The thought of having participated in this plot weighed upon the mind of Mu'nim Khan, so although he held the title of Khan-khanan, and held the offices of minister (wakalat) and tutor (atalik), he having found an opportunity left Agra by night, and went off along with Kasim Khan, commander of the boats, towards Kabul, where his son 'Abdu-l Ghani Khan was then living. When they came to the pargana of Sarut, in the Doab, the jagir of Mir Mahmud Munshi, one of the Munshi's officers, Kasim 'Ali Sistani, who was shikkdar of the district, having heard of their arrival as fugitives from the Court, went out with a party of the inhabitants, and made them prisoners. They were then sent to His Majesty, who winked at their offence, and reinstated them in their offices.