The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c17.13

v4.c17.13

The kingdoms of the Deccan, torn by constant broils with no object but territorial expansion, and misruled by successions of licentious and drunken monarchs, were still able to command the services of a few able men. One of these named Malik ‘Ambar was an Abyssinian slave who had been in the service of Chingīz Khān,¹ the faithful general of Murtaza Nizām Shāh I. Akbar’s departure had left his army without direction or capable leadership. Though the city of Ahmadnagar was still held by the imperial forces Malik ‘Ambar had set up a ruler named Murtaza Nizām Shāh II in the south of the kingdom, and had instituted valuable reforms in the administrative system. He also saw the military advantage to be gained in the rugged country of the Deccan by developing guerrilla tactics and using the Marāthās as predatory bands. In 1608 Rājā Mān Singh was first ordered to command the imperial army, but when he proceeded to his home to make preparations the Khān Khānān who had come north from Burhānpur persuaded Jahāngīr to allow him to undertake the conquest, promising to complete it within two years if adequate troops and funds were supplied. Within a year, however, it had become clear that success was still remote, and prince Parvīz took command with Āsaf Khān as his tutor. Khān Khānān attempted a campaign on the arrival of the prince but his forces were ill-supplied, the terrain was difficult, and the commanders quarrelled. Having thus failed he came to terms with Malik ‘Ambar and withdrew to Burhānpur, which was the base for operations in the Deccan. Ahmadnagar itself, though bravely defended by Khvāja Beg Mīrzā, a Persian soldier who had been in charge of it since its first capture, was beset; a relieving force from Burhānpur failed to reach it through bad leading, and it was surrendered.