The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c17.65

v4.c17.65

Early in the spring of 1627 Jahāngīr left Lahore to spend his last summer in Kashmīr, the part of India which was his favourite place of residence. This year its invigorating climate failed to restore him, and the rarefied atmosphere at a high altitude increased the sufferings of one affected by asthma. He grew weaker daily, and was unable to ride. As his infirmities increased he lost his appetite for food and even his taste for opium, in which he had indulged for many years. Instead of the heavy daily drinking which had been his practice he now took only a few cups of wine with no spirits. Shahryār also suffered from a disease which caused complete loss of hair, and his unsightly appearance was regarded as a mark of dishonour so that he took advantage of the physicians’ suggestion that he might be better in the warmer climate of Lahore.