The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c8.s3.14

c8.s3.14

more prominent. Both Babur and Humayun depended upon Persia for help at one time or the other.¹¹⁴ In their days of distress, they were served by Persian nobles with loyalty and distinction. In all his trials and tribulations of exile, Bairam Khan proved a valued guide to Humayun.¹¹⁵ Bairam Khans services in the reestablishment of the Mughal empire, and management of the affairs of the government in the early years of Akbars reign, are praiseworthy. The flow of immigration of Persian nobles and officers remained continuous under all the great Mughals - Akbar, Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb. In Jahangirs reign Persian influence increased much more because of the powerful queen Nur Jahan. Her father and brother, Itmad-ud-Daulah and Asaf Khan, rose to dizzy heights. Three of Shahjahans chief nobles-Asaf Khan, Ali Mardan Khan and Mir Jumla-were Persian. Their meritorious services added to the glory of the Mughal Empire. Jadunath Sarkar sums up the situation thus: The Persians were most highly valued for their polished manners, literary ability and capacity for managing the finance and accounts. There was always a keen desire on the part of the Mughal emperors to seduce to their service the higher officers of the Shah of Persia For such officers, when they fell into disgrace in their homeland a flight to India opened a road to honour, power and wealth.¹¹⁶