History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c51.s3: §3. Akbar marches against Aurangzib.
History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c51.s3
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§3. Akbar marches against Aurangzib.
v3.c51.s3.1
Two days before this date he wrote a false letter to his father to disarm his suspicion. "The brother and son of the new Rana, under the guidance of Tahawwur Khan, have descended from the hills and come to me. The Rathor leaders also have come here to make terms through the mediation of the Khan. They urge that unless I myself conduct them to your Majesty and personally beg pardon on their behalf, they cannot compose their minds for coming over to our side. In making this demand they appeal to the precedent of Shah Jahan, when Crown Prince, having personally presented the then Maharana's son to the Emperor Jahangir, [and thus made a lasting peace with the Rajputs]. If this condition is not fulfilled, they decline to come. I am therefore, starting [with them] for your Presence." (Adab, No. 676.)
v3.c51.s3.2
∗ Adab, Nos. 756, 762; and Akbar's letter to Shambhuji cited above.
v3.c51.s3.3
After this last attempt to dupe his father, Akbar threw off the mask. Four theologians in his pay issued a decree over their seals, declaring that Aurangzib had forfeited the throne by his violation of the Islamic Canon Law. Akbar crowned himself Emperor (1st January), and conferred high titles on his adherents,—the chief of them, Tahawwur Khan, being created Premier Noble (Amir-ul-umara) and a Commander of 7,000 Horse. Of the imperial officers with him, some willingly joined him; but most others were powerless to resist or to escape, and feigned adhesion to his cause. A few were thrown into prison for refusing to share the prince's treason. Shihab-ud-din Khan, who had been detached to a distance, boldly rode away from the rebel emissary, made a forced march to Aurangzib's side, and was highly rewarded for this timely service.*
v3.c51.s3.4
For, the Emperor's situation at Ajmir was critical. The two main divisions of his army which were untainted by treason, were quartered far away, —near Chitor and the Rajsamudra lake. Even the imperial body-guard was absent on a distant service. His immediate retinue consisted merely of unserviceable soldiers, who, with his personal attendants, clerks and eunuchs, formed a total of less than ten thousand, while rumour swelled the rebel army to 70,000 men, including the best blades of Rajputana mounted on the famous horses of Marwar.
v3.c51.s3.5
∗ Akbar's rebellion: M.A., 197-204; Ishwardas, 80a-83b; K. K. ii. 265-276; Storia, ii. 243-251; Dilkasha, 170 (meagre); Basatin-i-salatin, 439 (very brief).
v3.c51.s3.6
Aurangzib had trusted his favourite son too long. Prince Muazzam had given him early warning of Akbar's treasonable intrigues, but his only reward had been a rebuff for raising false suspicion against a younger brother! At last the rebellious movement of Akbar became the common talk of the Emperor's camp, and he could not resist the evidence of spies, official news-writers and other well-informed persons. The scales dropped from the eyes of the doting father, and in the bitterness of disillusionment he cried out, "I am now defenceless. The young hero has got a fine opportunity. Why, then, is he delaying his attack?"
v3.c51.s3.7
Every one expected a rapid advance of Akbar's troops, the rout of the small imperial body-guard, and a change of sovereigns. The Mughal camp at Ajmir was in the extremity of terror, but not the Emperor. Every day's delay lessened the chances of Akbar's success, and Akbar was not the man to take time by the forelock. He had never been an active or calculating leader; he had never achieved a victory by his own efforts; and now, in the pride of youth and newly acquired sovereignty, he began to spend his days and nights in indolence and pleasure. The dash on Ajmir and the decisive conflict with his father fell into delay. He took a fortnight (2-15 January) in covering the 120 miles which separated him from his father, when every hour's delay told in Aurangzib's favour.