The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.4

v4.c18.4

At his accession Shāh Jahān had a stronger position than his father had held at the death of Akbar. He had ruthlessly disposed of a brother and nephews who might have continued, like Khusrav, to be a focus of intrigue. The more distinguished officers of the army were on his side, and Āsaf Khān, the most able statesman of the time, was his father-in-law and had been active in obtaining his succession to the throne. He himself was a capable leader, and in particular had won the support of the Rājputs, with whom he had close blood affinities through his mother and grandmother. With all these advantages he had to administer a state which had been shaken and impoverished by his own rebellious acts. No body politic convulsed as India had been during the last few years could settle down at once to a peaceful existence. Khān Jahān Lodī, headstrong and fickle, as many Pathāns were, believed that Shahryār or Dāwar Bakhsh was more likely to succeed, and while Shāh Jahān was on his way to Āgra, Khān Jahān left a small garrison in his headquarters at Burhānpur and marched himself to seize Māndū. When news came that Shāh Jahān had reached Ajmer he was abandoned by some of his Hindu supporters and sent in a humble submission, which was accepted. He was forgiven and confirmed in his governorship of the Deccan and ordered to return to Burhānpur.