History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v1.c15.10

v1.c15.10

(1648),*—whereas the former sovereigns of Delhi, in their pride of suzerainty, had styled the rulers of Bijapur as mere Khans or Lords. Some years afterwards, differences had arisen between the two.† Adil Shah displeased Shah Jahan by departing from the practice of his ancestors in as much as he held Court in a lofty palace outside his citadel and witnessed elephant-combats in an open plain beyond the fort instead of within it, and lastly by conferring the title of Khan-i-khanan on his premier noble. These acts were taken to imply a presumptuous assumption of the prerogatives of the Emperor and rivalry with the Court of Delhi. Shah Jahan wrote him a letter of rebuke, sharply telling him to return to the ways of his forefathers, or a Delhi army would visit his dominion. The letter was discussed in full Court. The captains of Bijapur rattled their sabres and cried out, "Let them come on! We too are ready and eager for such a day. We shall be glad to measure our swords with the blades of Hindustan." A haughty reply was delivered to the Delhi envoy.