Later Mughals v1.c9.s15.12

v1.c9.s15.12

It is said that the leader in giving this advice was Muhammad Amin Khan, Itimad-ud-daulah. His idea was that, since in length of service, nobility of family, fertility of resource, and ability as a soldier, there was in his opinion no one his equal or rival, the Emperor's choice must fall upon him. And it is quite likely that, if he had been supported and given authority to act, he could have carried the affair to a successful termination. But the Emperor's advisers foresaw that if the present danger were overcome through his aid, and their first enemies removed out of their way, to get rid afterwards of the victor would be a still more arduous enterprize than the one at present before them. They preferred that Mir Jumla should receive the robes of diwan and assume the office of chief minister. Now, as a contemporary writer remarks, Mir Jumla and Khan Dauran, "were only carpet knights (sher-i-qalin) and not true fighters (mard-i-maidan). They talked well, but evaded dealing with the kernel (maghz) of the matter." Mir Jumla, having no real strength of character, knew that he was not fitted to enter the lists as a champion to fight the Sayyids. He therefore made excuses and drew to one side. Who, then, was "to bell the cat"? There remained Khan Dauran. He was in reality a mere braggadocio, a big talker of the kind supposed to be the peculiar product of Hindustan; and he was frightened lest he should ever be called on to take the lead, and lose his life in the attempt to destroy the Sayyids. Therefore he went secretly to Farrukh-siyar and suggested as the best course that Muhammad Amin Khan should be propitiated in every way, and the control of the affair confided to him. When it had been concluded and the Sayyids destroyed, he could be removed from office before he had time to consolidate his power. Overtures ought to be made to him. [M. M. 194, Ahwal 77b.]