The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c19.60

v4.c19.60

The emperor degraded Muhammad Āmin Khān, and recalling Mahābat Khān from the Deccan sent him to Kābul as viceroy for the fourth time. But this general made a secret pact with the Afghāns on condition of mutual forbearance, and so the Khyber route remained closed. Aurangzīb was displeased and sent Shujā‘at Khān in independent command of a large force with abundant artillery (November, 1673). He was a man of humble birth who had risen to the emperor’s favour by his ability, and therefore the high-born officers regarded him with jealousy, while he treated them with insolent contempt. This led to a lack of co-operation between them and a Mughul disaster on 3 March, 1674, when Shujā‘at Khān was cut off in the Karāpā pass, but the remnant of his force was rescued by Jasvant Singh’s Rājputs.