The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.34

v4.c18.34

As Khān Zamān’s attempt to take Parenda was not successful, Mahābat Khān himself with Shāh Shujā‘ left the Mughul headquarters established at Malkāpur. The effects of the great famine had not yet passed away. Thousands of cultivators had perished, and many of the survivors had moved to districts which had suffered less. In the absence of proper organisation supplies for the army in the field were lacking, and foraging parties had to go to distant places where they were subject to attack. Mahābat Khān himself narrowly escaped capture, being rescued by Nasīrī Khān who had now received the title of Khān Daurān for his services in the capture of Daulatābād. The incident caused jealousy, as Khān Daurān continued to boast of his exploit. The hot weather was well advanced, and as the rains were due Mahābat Khān advised Shāh Shujā‘, who was unable to control his generals, to raise the siege and retire to Burhānpur. The failure vexed the emperor, who recalled Shāh Shujā‘ and Khān Zamān to court and censured Mahābat Khān. The old general was suffering from fistula, and distracted by his sufferings and the failure of his enterprise behaved madly till his death in October, 1634.