The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.61

v4.c18.61

Successful as the Moghul enterprise had appeared it had no stability, and it was never pushed beyond the Oxus as Shāh Jahān had hoped and intended. Murād’s distaste for service in a more rigorous climate than that of the plains of India was shared by all other officers.¹ Balkh itself, a city with ancient glories, had never recovered from its destruction by Tīmūr and could not be attractive even to a prince like Aurangzīb whose asceticism was coupled with strong ambitions. War had desolated the country and nomads raided it and prevented the revival of cultivation. Moreover, Nazr Muhammad had received help and encouragement from the Shāh of Persia, who was attaining manhood and desired to weaken Moghul authority. Nazr Muhammad was too wary to venture on an attempt to recover Bukhārā, but he advanced into what is now Afghānistān and even attacked the Moghul outposts. Aurangzīb marched out to repel these but was directed by the emperor to accept an apology if one was offered. The close of the short summer made it necessary to be content with a message carried by a grandson instead of the personal submission of Nazr Muhammad. Officers from the outlying garrisons were abandoning their posts in the belief that Nazr Muhammad was to be restored and Aurangzīb returned to Kābul, harassed throughout the march by bands of Uzbegs, who cut off stragglers.