The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.8

v4.c18.8

Shāh Jahān was thus able to return to Āgra in a few weeks, and devoted his attention to the affairs of the Deccan. In restoring Khān Jahān to the governorship of that province he had directed him to recover the Bālāghāt which Khān Jahān had corruptly surrendered in the previous reign. As no effort had been made to carry out this instruction Khān Jahān was recalled to headquarters and Mahābat Khān replaced him as governor, being represented at first by his son Khān Zamān. Though he was subjected to no punishment beyond the loss of office Khān Jahān remained at Āgra, moody and discontented, and ready to listen to the mischievous remarks which were passed about at court. One evening his son heard a report that he and his father were to be imprisoned at once. Khān Jahān ceased to attend the daily court and kept in his own quarters with a guard of two thousand fellow Afghāns. The emperor, noticing his absence, sent to enquire the reason and hearing of his suspicions had a letter despatched to him forgiving his offences. On receipt of this Khān Jahān again began to visit the court, but consciousness of his own treachery and a suspicious nature prevented him from wholly trusting the emperor. In October, 1629, Āsaf Khān reported that he had received news that Khān Jahān was preparing to fly. Shāh Jahān, who was not inclined to go back on his promise of forgiveness, decided to wait on events. That same night Khān Jahān rode out with his followers and took the road to the south. He was immediately followed and overtaken near the Chambal river. His force was attacked and though he inflicted much loss on the imperial troops he thought it safe to escape, and with his sons and a few followers managed to cross the swollen stream, leaving his treasure and harem behind. While the pursuers were collecting boats he gained sufficient time to evade them, and being guided by Bikramājīt, son of Jujhār Singh, through the by-paths of Bundelkhand, he crossed Gondwāna and safely reached Ahmadnagar and Daulatābād. Here he was well received by the king, who placed him in charge of Bīr and nominally assigned to his friends tracts which were actually held by the Mughuls, with instructions to conquer them.