The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c16.167

v4.c16.167

Meanwhile affairs in the Deccan progressed favourably for Akbar. The siege of Ahmadnagar was opened on 21 April, and those who resented Chānd Sultān’s agreement with Abu-’l-Fazl caused her to be assassinated, but there remained within the walls many partisans of the imperial cause. The siege was vigorously prosecuted, and after the destruction of a portion of the defences by mines the fortress was stormed on 28 August. Bahādur Nizām Shāh was captured, and the rich spoils which rewarded the victors included the royal jewels, a splendid library, twenty-five elephants, and a large quantity of guns and ammunition.¹ The fall of Ahmadnagar was an event of such sinister import to the Deccan that Ibrāhīm ‘Ādil Shāh II of Bījāpur deemed it politic to conciliate the emperor by tendering his congratulations.