The Akbarī Generations 23.1

23.1

In consequence of the severe proceedings against 'Abdu-lla Khan Uzbek, which have been narrated above, an opinion got abroad that the Emperor had a bad opinion of the Uzbeks. When the Emperor went to Narwar elephant hunting, Ashraf Khan Mir-munshi was sent to Sikandar Khan, to conciliate him with gracious promises of the Emperor's favour, and to bring him to Court. As Ashraf Khan approached Oudh, which was the jágír of Sikandar Khán, the latter came out to meet him, and conducted him to his house with all due ceremony. He submitted to the Emperor's command, and acted as if he meant to go to Court. But after some days he said to Ashraf Khán, "Ibráhím Khán is a much greater man than I, and he is in this neighbourhood; the best thing we can do is to go to him, and get him to acquiesce in your demand. We will then go to Court together." Upon this understanding they went to the town of Sarwár, which was the jágír of Ibráhím Khán. When Sikandar Khán and Ibráhím Khán met, they took counsel together, and resolved to consult with 'Alí Kuli Khán, who was one of their own tribe, and was the Emperor's representative in their part of the country. In pursuance of this resolution, and with the concurrence of Ashraf Khán, they proceeded to Jaunpúr, the jágír of Khán-zamán. After consultation their judgment was adverse to the course proposed, and they determined to rebel. They improperly detained Ashraf Khán, and then broke into open rebellion.