The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c16.182

v4.c16.182

The omen was clear enough, and Salīm set out. At his own request he was met at a distance of one stage from the capital by his grandmother, who led him by the hand into his father's presence. He rubbed his forehead on his father's feet, and with tears confessed his guilt. Akbar, though he probably never in his heart forgave him the murder of Abu-'l-Fazl, raised him up and embraced him. His gifts, which included 12,000 gold mohurs and 770 elephants, probably bore their part in the reconciliation but Akbar found it difficult to contemplate the prospect of being succeeded by his drunken and brutal first-born. He had, however, little choice, for his only other son, his favourite, was rapidly drinking himself to death in the Deccan. It was an open secret that Khusrav, Salīm's eldest son, was preferred to his father, but to designate him as heir without putting Salīm to death would have been to devote him to destruction. Akbar was thus compelled to complete his reconciliation with Salīm by designating him heir apparent.