The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c28.28

v3.c28.28

The Foreign party retained its predominance in the state, and the kingdom was administered, as in the preceding reign, by the queen-mother, Khvāja Jahān, and Mahmūd Gāvān, but the ambition of Khvāja Jahān disturbed the harmony which had hitherto prevailed. He aimed at the chief power in the state, and undermined Mahmūd Gāvān’s influence at the capital by employing him continually on the frontier. The queen-mother became suspicious of his designs and persuaded her son to put him to death. When he entered his master’s presence two maidservants of the harem appeared and cried aloud, in accordance with preconcerted arrangements, ‘The matter which was spoken of yesterday should now be taken in hand.’ Muhammad turned to Nizām-ul-Mulk and, pointing to Khvāja Jahān said, ‘This man is a traitor. Slay him.’ Nizām-ul-Mulk seized Khvāja Jahān by the hand, dragged him forth, and cut him to pieces.