A History of the Mahrattas v1.c9.141

v1.c9.141

A.D. 1628.—The Emperor Jehangeer died in 1627, and in the following year was succeeded by his son Shah Jehan. The new Emperor bore a personal enmity to Khan Jehan Lodi, then governor of the Moghul conquests in the Deccan. He removed him from his government to that of Malwa, and invited him to court. Though at first received with much courtesy, he afterwards suspected treachery, fled into the Deccan, and sought refuge in the confines of Buglana, within the territory of Nizam Shah. A force was immediately sent in pursuit of him; but the Zumeendars, or Deshmookhs of the country, rose in his defence, repulsed the Moghul troops, and could not be induced by promises or threats to give him up. Shah Jehan was so extremely jealous of Khan Jehan Lodi, that he deemed his submission of vital importance to the stability of his throne. He advanced towards the Deccan with a great army, threatening with destruction all who should afford protection to Lodi, or espouse his cause. Having had considerable experience in the desultory mode of warfare peculiar to the Deccan, he separated his army into three divisions, which he placed under the respective command of Azim Khan, Iradut Khan, and Shaisteh Khan. The division of Azim Khan penetrated by the western route, and he being a very active officer soon compelled Khan Jehan Lodi to fly to the southward.