History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c37.s3.2

v3.c37.s3.2

When not yet fifteen years old, Muhammad Akbar was married to a grand-daughter of Dara Shukoh, and four years later received his first vice-royalty. In 1679 he accompanied the Emperor to the Rajput War in command of the advanced division, and throughout the next year had a full army corps under his orders. Then he lent too ready an ear to evil advisers, proclaimed himself Emperor, issued a manifesto deposing his father as a violator of Islamic Law, and advanced to give him battle (January, 1681). But the attempt was an utter failure, and the unlucky pretender to the throne had to flee for refuge to Shambhuji the Maratha king, and finally, after many adventures, to the Court of Persia. The Shah offered him men and money for a war against his brothers but declined to support him in a parricidal attack on Aurangzib. Nothing was now left for Akbar but to live on the eastern frontier of Persia and wear his heart out in prayers for his father's speedy death! Aurangzib heard of it, grimly smiled, and said, "Let us see who dies first, he or I," and then quoted the quatrain: