The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c17.60

v4.c17.60

In November, 1626, the court moved from Kābul and on the way plans were perfected to break the power of the dictator. Orders were still issued in the name of Jahāngīr, who sent word to Mahābat Khān, a day's march from Rohtās, that he was going to hold a review of the imperial troops and Mahābat Khān would be well advised to take his own forces a stage ahead to avoid the possibility of a collision. He had now realised that his influence had faded beyond the hope of revival, and he marched hurriedly towards Lahore, being careful to take with him as hostages Āsaf Khān with a son and two nephews of Jahāngīr. Under pressure from Nūr Jahān Mahābat sent back first the princes, then Āsaf Khān and later the son, and he marched east hoping to secure a large remittance of treasure which was on its way from Bengal.