The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.57

v4.c18.57

By 1639 Shāh Jahān felt that he was strong enough to pursue his own aims and with his usual thoroughness went himself to Kābul to enquire into the routes to Transoxiana. A small campaign against the tribes who supported the nearest Uzbeg governor alarmed both Imām Qulī and Nazr Muhammad. Confusion among the Uzbegs was increased by Nazr Muhammad deposing his brother, who had lost his sight. The new ruler, less popular with his people than his predecessor, weakened his position by sudden changes in the administration, some of which affected the religious leaders. An attempt to annex Khwārizm or Khiva on the death of its ruler led to a general insurrection early in 1645, and ‘Abdul-‘Azīz, son of Nazr Muhammad, who was sent to quell it was induced to proclaim himself Khān of Bukhārā, his father taking refuge in Balkh. Shāh Jahān felt that his opportunity had arrived and at once began to concert his plans. A Mughul commandant north of Kābul took the fort of Kahmard but lost it and winter closed the operations, though troops from India were collected. Nazr Muhammad and his son were contending for the possession of Bukhārā and agreed that the former should hold Balkh and the latter Bukhārā. An appeal by Nazr Muhammad to Shāh Jahān was met by an offer of help in dubious terms. The emperor himself again visited Kābul. Free from anxiety elsewhere he was able to collect a large force,¹ to staff it with his best officers, and to plan detailed instructions. His son, Murād, who was placed in command, though brave and dashing, was not enthusiastic about his mission. His first objective was the reduction of Badakhshān, and his entry into that tract was delayed by snow on the passes till the middle of June. He advanced into Narin and Qunduz was taken. His instructions were to be generous to Nazr Muhammad and to assist him to recapture Bukhārā with Samarqand, the real intention being to add them to the Mughul dominions. Nazr Muhammad did not fail to see through this thinly veiled design, and tried to stop the advance of the Mughul army, which was now rapid, by asking for time to prepare for a contemplated pilgrimage to Mecca. Murād, however, advanced and early in July, 1646, began his last march into Balkh. As he approached the city Nazr Muhammad fled west and Murād’s army was free to enter and plunder the city, where a large treasure was secured. Tirmiz, on the Oxus, was captured and Nazr Muhammad after sustaining a defeat at Shibarghān escaped to Marv and then to Persia. The rapid success of the expedition caused great delight to Shāh Jahān, who marked the conquest by striking money at Balkh.² Murād, however, was already disgusted with his position in a country the climate of which was rigorous, while it offered none of the pleasures which he was accustomed to enjoy. He asked to be recalled, and when the offered post of governor of Transoxiana (which had still to be conquered) and the arguments of the able minister sent to advise him failed to alter his views, he was recalled.