The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.113

v4.c18.113

In his relations with other powers Shāh Jahān’s diplomacy usually consisted of attempts to dazzle by exaggerating his own prowess against the small kingdoms of the Deccan, and it was marked by no great statesmanship. Communications with Turkey were opened by the despatch of a horse dealer who also took presents, and for some years envoys were exchanged. A Turkish officer who arrived in 1653 brought a letter which mentioned the complaints made by Nazr Muhammad, and Shāh Jahān’s reply, in which he taunted the Sultān with his youth and the incapacity of his councillors, closed the exchange of communication, which had been purely ceremonial. As a good Muslim Shāh Jahān frequently sent presents to the Sharīf of Mecca and gifts for the poor in the towns of Mecca and Medina.