The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c16.90

v4.c16.90

Akbar’s position, even in his capital, was so precarious that he had been unable to take the field in person against the rebels. He had detected a conspiracy among his courtiers, headed by Shāh Mansūr, the revenue minister, to invite Muhammad Hakīm to India and raise him to the throne. Shāh Mansūr was suspended from office, and the other conspirators were dispersed and prevented from combining, but Akbar refrained, perhaps prudently, from proceeding to extremities against them. He attempted to conciliate Ma'sūm Khān Farankhudī by conferring on him the assignment of Ajodhyā, and his acceptance of it and his promptitude in withdrawing from Jaunpur deceived Akbar into the belief that he had returned to his allegiance, but at Ajodhyā he was joined by a number of rebels from Bihār and Bengal and openly declared for Muhammad Hakīm. A force under Shāhbāz Khān was sent against him and defeated him, thus relieving Akbar of immediate fear of an attack from the east. Rebels were still in arms in Bengal, but peace had been restored in Bihār; and early in February, 1581, Akbar was able to leave Fathpur Sīkrī in order to meet his brother, who, encouraged by the invitations which he had received, and by exaggerated reports of the extent of the discontent with Akbar's rule, had left Kābul with the intention of wresting the crown from his brother. Shāh Mansūr, who had been pardoned and restored to office, accompanied Akbar's army, but it was discovered that he was again in correspondence with Muhammad Hakīm. Some of his correspondence was produced, and he was condemned to death, and on 25 February was hanged near Thānesar. He was intensely unpopular, owing to his inquisitorial methods, and some historians have suggested that the evidence against him was fabricated by his enemies, but there appears to be no doubt of his guilt, for Akbar fully appreciated his past services and deeply regretted the necessity for his execution.