History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c51.s6.2

v3.c51.s6.2

∗ Murder of Tahawwur Khan : Manucci says that Tahawwur went to the Emperor's camp to assassinate him (Storia, ii. 247). Some of the courtiers suspected that he had come with this murderous intention in concert with Akbar (K. K. ii. 268; M.A. 201). The best account of the affair is given by Khafi Khan, whom I follow and who absolves Tahawwur of blame. Ishwardas (82b) holds the same view. That Tahawwur wore cuirass under his coat is no proof that he meant treachery; it was only an act of precaution in a solitary night-ride in that troubled time. It is clear to me that he wanted to desert Akbar, and his reluctance to submit to the humiliation of entering the imperial Presence unarmed like a captive of war, was due to his resentment at the Emperor undervaluing the importance of the defection of Akbar's right-hand man. See also Tod, ii. 891.