The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c17.61

v4.c17.61

The growth of the intrigue against Mahābat Khān had been fostered by news of the death of Malik 'Ambar about the time that Jahāngīr reached Kābul. He was the ablest man of the period, distinguished alike in the strategic conduct of a campaign, in the tactics of a battle, or during times of peace in the administration of a kingdom. His death appeared to free the emperor from menaces in the south. One of his officers who succeeded him as commander soon offered allegiance to the empire through Khān Jahān, the governor who was now in sole charge at Burhānpur, as Parvīz had died from the effects of constant intoxication (October, 1626). The titular king of Ahmadnagar had, however, come under the influence of a woman employed in his harem who pandered to his depraved passions, and obtained great influence over him. Her husband Hamīd Khān, like Malik 'Ambar, was a capable Abyssinian slave. When the king assumed a hostile attitude and drew the imperial forces to attack him, Hamīd Khān offered a large bribe which Khān Jahān accepted. The commandants in the territory of Bālāghāt (see p. 173) were ordered to evacuate their posts and most of them complied and withdrew to Burhānpur, but the garrison at Ahmadnagar still held out in the absence of orders from the emperor.