History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c37.s1.2

v3.c37.s1.2

His eldest son, Muhammad SULTAN deserted to Shuja in the War of Succession (8th June 1659), but came back to the imperial army eight months afterwards, and was confined in the State prison of Gwalior. Occasionally artists were sent there to draw his portrait for the Emperor,* and thus only did the father keep himself informed of the son's exact state of health! After twelve years of captivity fortune seemed to smile on him again.* In December 1672 he was removed to Salimgarh, the citadel of Delhi, and granted an interview with the Emperor. Aurangzib at this time evidently wanted to cherish Sultan at Court and use him as a pawn to check his second son, Muhammad Muazzam, who had filled the heir-apparent's place during his eldest brother's eclipse, but whose recent conduct had been unsatisfactory. Muhammad Sultan now basked in the sunshine of royal favour: large additions were made to his harem; he was married to Murad's daughter Dostdar Banu in December 1672, to Bai Bhut Devi, the daughter of the hill-Rajah of Kishtawar in December 1675, and to a niece of Daulatabadi Mahal in the following August; his mansab and pension were restored; and he seemed to be on the high road to liberty and recognition as heir to the throne, when death cut his life short at the age of thirty-seven (3rd Dec., 1676).