The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c17.28

v4.c17.28

The power of the faction was not unchallenged, and its growth was extended over a long period by the gradual appointment of its nominees to offices of trust. Of the opponents Mahābat Khān was the most notable and he was left without promotion for twelve years, though he was one of the most capable men in the country. Persuasion rather than domination was the method first used with the emperor. One element in the policy was the support of Khurram as heir to the throne, and this led to opposition by those who preferred the elder son Khusrav. In spite of the two rebellions of which Khusrav was the nominal leader Jahāngīr never appears to have lost his affection for him, and popular sympathy was strong in his favour. Though his perpetual confinement gave him no opportunity of showing his capability in administration, his disposition was admired and his devotion to his only wife, the daughter of Khān Aʻzam, was well known. In October, 1616, an attempt was made to get the charge of Khusrav transferred from Ani Rāy, a brave and faithful Rājput attendant on the emperor, to Āsaf Khān, and Roe narrates that a verbal order was actually obtained late one night when Jahāngīr was intoxicated. Ani Rāy, who refused to comply, appeared at court the next day and was commended. A few days later when Khurram was about to proceed in person to conduct the Deccan campaign his fear for his interests during his absence led him to make another attempt which was successful, and caused great fears for Khusrav's own life. Roe gives a vivid report of the consternation in the women's quarters, where Khusrav's relations threatened to burn themselves if he were killed, and of the rumours that Khurram desired the death of his father as well as of his brother, and he compares the state of India to that of Rome during the contest between Otho and Vitellius related by Tacitus.¹ It appeared to Roe that the Company would do well to avoid siding in the quarrel, to make few debts and to limit their establishments in the country.