[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Mughals (1526–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal) › [Later Mughals (1707–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later) › [Tārīkh-i Irādat Khān](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-iradat-khan) › [Tarikh, of Iradat Khan (Elliot & Dowson, extracts)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-iradat-khan~en-elliot) › 4 # Tarikh-i Iradat Khan 4: The sons of Bahadur Shah. Táríkh, of Irádat Khán (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 4 - **Language:** English ### [4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-iradat-khan~en-elliot.4) It is now necessary to say something of the four sons of Shah 'Alam, their dispositions and behaviour, both in public and private. Mu'izzu-d din Jahandar Shah, the eldest, was a weak man, devoted to pleasure, who gave himself no trouble about State affairs, or to gain the attachment of any of the nobility, as will be seen when I come to narrate his reign. 'Azimu-sh Shan, the second son, was a statesman of winning manners. Aurangzeb had always pursued the policy of encouraging his grandsons and employing them in public affairs; for as his sons were ambitious of great power, and at the head of armies, he thus prudently controlled them by opposing to them enemies in their own families, as Bedar Bakht to A'zam Shah, and 'Azimu-sh Shan to Shah 'Alam. To the latter he had given the advantageous government of the three provinces of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, from whence he had now come with a rich treasure and considerable army; and though in the late battle he had performed great service, yet he was suspected by his father and dreaded as a rival; but to relate the causes would be useless prolixity. Rafi'u-sh Shan, the private companion and favourite of his father, was a prince of quick parts, a great proficient in religious learning, a fine writer, and of much knowledge in the law, but at the same time addicted to pleasure, particularly fond of music and the pomp of courtly show. He paid no attention to public affairs or even those of his own household. Khujista-akhtar Jahan Shah had the greatest share of all the Princes in the management of affairs, before his father's accession to the throne, and afterwards the whole administration of the empire was influenced by him. He had the closest friendship and connexion with Mun'im Khan, who, by his interest, was appointed wazir. - [Previous: 3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-iradat-khan~en-elliot.3.4) - [Next: 5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-iradat-khan~en-elliot.5.1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-iradat-khan~en-elliot.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-iradat-khan~en-elliot.4) · Pramāṇa