Storia do Mogor 86: Amir Khan sent to Kabul.

86

After this speech, Aurangzeb, to show his gratitude to Shekh Mir, his teacher, who had given up his life for love of him at Ajmer, as I have stated in my First Part (I. 241), sent Amir Khan as governor of Kabul in place of Mahabat Khan. The latter had not adopted Aurangzeb's side at the time of rebellion, and had remained true to Shahjahan. But this change of governors was effected not so much to please Amir Khan as from Aurangzeb's fear of Mahabat Khan. That noble was friendly with the independent Pathans, and thus might make an attempt against him (Aurangzeb) in favour of Shahjahan. This is why at the very beginning of his reign he cajoled the said Mahabat Khan by several friendly letters until the time came for ejecting him. The king had suppressed the lengthy letter written against him by Mahabat Khan at the time when father and son were exchanging controversial letters touching the mode of government.
On his arrival at Kabul, Amir Khan presented Aurangzeb's letter to Mahabat Khan, whereby he was recalled to court. He was thence to proceed as governor of Gujarat. Without a word Mahabat Khan left Kabul, came to court, afterwards moving on to Gujarat, and at the proper place I will speak of his doings [II. 79]. Meanwhile he managed to insinuate pleasantly to Aurangzeb that he ought not to discharge old soldiers as he was doing — that is, he had his beard shaved and went thus ostentatiously to court. The king asked in wonder what had made him shave. Mahabat Khan replied that as, in accordance with His Majesty's orders, old soldiers were being dismissed, he had shaved off his beard, so as not to be discharged like the rest, being desirous of remaining in the service of such a great monarch. Aurangzeb divined the intention of Mahabat Khan, and, laughing, gave fresh orders to retain all the old soldiers, and restored the pay of the veterans who had already been turned out [24].