The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.2

v4.c18.2

According to the rules of Muslim law Shāh Jahān was now the rightful heir to the throne, as both his elder brothers had died, and their sons had no claim. In dynastic successions this rule has often yielded to force. The position was, however, favourable to Shāh Jahān, who was openly supported by Mahābat Khān, the most eminent soldier of the day, and secretly by his father-in-law Āsaf Khān, who had the largest influence at court. In the country generally he had the favour of the Rājputs and some reputation in the Deccan. Elsewhere the people were indifferent, and officials and soldiers other than those who were personally related or otherwise attached to Nūr Jahān were inclined to side with any successful claimant. Āsaf Khān was not prepared to act on behalf of Shāh Jahān in an open manner. He placed his sister the empress under guard, removing Shāh Jahān’s sons from her charge, and with the approval of officers at headquarters proclaimed Dāwar Bakhsh (also known as Bulāqī) the son of Khusrav as emperor. Prayers were read and coins were struck in his name, but the briefness of his rule and its scanty extent are shown by the rarity of the coins and the fact that they bear the name of only one mint town, Lahore.