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Later Mughals v2.c13.s9: Sec. 9.—Attacks on Muhammad Amin Khan.

Later Mughals v2.c13.s9

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English

Sec. 9.—Attacks on Muhammad Amin Khan.

v2.c13.s9.1

One of the Sayyids' main difficulties was the strength of the Mughal element in their own army. They did not know what to do with Muhammad Amin Khan, cousin of Nizam-ul-mulk and head of the Mughal soldiery. At one time they thought of leaving him behind, at another of taking him with them. By some accounts they tried to poison him. However much Muhammad Amin Khan may have rejoiced inwardly at the troubles now accumulating on the luckless Sayyids' heads, he continued to attend their darbars, and spoke there freely of the wickedness of Nizam-ul-mulk's conduct. [K. K. 882, Shiu 45a, Bayan 319.]

v2.c13.s9.2

It is said Muhammad Amin Khan had taken the Sayyids' part for fear of losing his great wealth. He also had a very high idea of his own superiority to everybody else, and his power of finally coming out the victor. After he had become very intimate with Husain Ali Khan, the latter's friends warned him that Muhammad Amin Khan was acting in a double-faced manner. The Sayyid answered: "What power has he to fight against me! And at the worst, I shall easily escape from his clutches."

v2.c13.s9.3

Muhammad Amin Khan carried at once to Husain Ali Khan every insulting story he heard, hoping that the Sayyid, being put off his guard, might give him a chance of plunging a dagger into him. But Husain Ali Khan was suspicious of his covetous Mongol eyes. In spite of this, Muhammad Amin Khan continued assiduous in his attendance. Those who prided themselves on their strength of understanding said, over and over again, that he was at the root of all the trouble and the real cause of Farrukh-siyar’s deposition. “The truth or falsehood of this rests on the relater! The author must record the essential facts, though his enemies may taunt him. If he should turn evil into good, the whole story would become faulty, but only the Knower of all hidden things can reveal the true kernel of the matter.” [*Ahwal*, 146*b*.]

v2.c13.s9.4

But at length the Sayyids were supposed to have decided to rid themselves of this “old wolf,” also of Abdus-samad Khan, governor of Lahor, another strong pillar of the Mughal faction, and connected by marriage with Muhammad Amin Khan. Abdus-samad Khan they intended to exile to Balkh or Bukhara. Informers told Muhammad Amin Khan of his danger, and one day his soldiers thought he had been seized or killed in the darbar. They raised a disturbance, which was not allayed until they saw their general come forth unmolested. He was spared chiefly on the advice of Ikhlas Khan, whose opinion had great weight with both brothers, but more especially with Husain Ali Khan. Ikhlas Khan argued that his removal would stir up a spirit of revenge among a set of men who were not easy to appease. The clan of which he was the head was a large one, and if this “wasps’ nest” was disturbed, there would be no one left to pacify or soothe them after Muhammad Amin Khan was killed.

v2.c13.s9.5

But before a reconciliation in accordance with this advice had been effected, the Sayyids attempted to fight the matter out with the Mughals. The dispute was brought to a crisis by the news of Sayyid Alim Ali Khan’s defeat and death, under the circumstances which will be related presently. Camel-riders brought the news of this catastrophe to Agra on the 22nd Shawwal (26th August 1720), sixteen days after the date of the battle. In their rage the Sayyids resolved to wreak their vengeance on Muhammad Amin Khan. At once M. Amin Khan fortified the house which he occupied in the quarter of Rajah Bhoj in Agra city. On one side of it the Jamuna flowed; on the other three sides he dug a ditch. Husain Ali Khan held his troops in readiness for an attack, but was dissuaded from carrying the idea into execution. Then Muhammad Amin Khan, when he heard this, came out at the head of his men and sent a challenge to the brothers, that if they wanted him he was there and willing to meet them. But the Sayyids now denied that they had intended to harm him. [Shiu, 45a.]

v2.c13.s9.6

On another day they planned to send the Emperor to the Taj accompanied by a large force, the house occupied by Muhammad Amin Khan being not far from Tajganj. They gave out that His Majesty had only come to visit the tombs and spend a day or two in recreation. As is well known, it was the custom for nobles to take it in turn to mount guard. The brothers agreed that when their turn came they would proceed to Tajganj with their troops, ostensibly upon this duty only, but in reality with the intention, after having placed the Emperor in safety within the mausoleum, of leading their troops against Muhammad Amin Khan. That noble must have received some hint of what was in the air, for, seizing all the boats to be found on the Jamuna, he crossed the river and camped on the other bank, leaving enough men to defend his house. More moderate counsels now prevailed, Ikhlas Khan was listened to, and Abdullah Khan dissuaded his brother from further violence, pointing out the danger to themselves that might result. Muhammad Amin Khan was invited to a feast, they all ate together, and an understanding, at any rate outwardly, was arrived at.

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