The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c17.33.1

v4.c17.33.1

Meanwhile Khurram had succeeded in a few months by negotiation in settling the affairs of the Deccan more effectively than his brother had done in as many years. The degenerate rulers of the Deccan were weary of the struggle and some of their officials had been corrupted by bribes. Khurram’s success in Mewār had enhanced his reputation. Ibrāhīm ‘Ādil Shāh II the ruler of Bījāpur agreed to pay tribute and restore the conquered territory, including Ahmadnagar. Jahāngīr celebrated the peace by a magnificent reception in Māndū of the Bījāpur envoys and his son Khurram received the unique privilege of a seat in his father’s presence. He also received the title of Shāh Jahān (Sovereign of the world) which he retained later when he succeeded his father on the throne. Roe, who was present, was rather contemptuous of the whole affair, and rightly guessed that the boasted victory was no more than the avoidance of future loss. Some element of personal disappointment tinges his comments, as he had hoped a few months earlier to sell Malik ‘Ambar a quantity of the Company’s cloth and swords which were not in demand elsewhere. But in fact the settlement advanced the Moghul power no further than it had stood when Akbar left the Deccan, and while the Muhammadan rulers were rapidly losing hold the Marāthās who formed the bulk of the population had begun to realise their own strength.