The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c15.77

v4.c15.77

The province of Kābul was governed nominally by Akbar’s younger brother, prince Muhammad Hakīm, but the management of its affairs was in the hands of his guardian, who at the beginning of the reign had been Mun‘im Khān. When he came to court on the occasion of Bairam Khān’s fall he left his son, Ghanī Khān, to act for him, but the young man was unequal to the task. He could manage neither the turbulent populace of Kābul nor the prince's mother, who was a power in the state, and during a temporary absence from the town the gates were shut against him by the princess, Māh Chūchak Begam, and by his own uncle, Fāzil (or Fazāil) Beg. Ghanī Khān retired to Akbar's court and Fāzil Beg took his place, but left all business in the hands of his son, Abu-'l-Fath. Abu-'l-Fath's behaviour estranged him both from the old nobles of Kābul and from Māh Chūchak Begam, and he was assassinated. Fāzil Beg attempted to escape but was captured and shared the fate of his son.