MUZAFFAR KHAN KHAN-IJHAHAN AND BARHA SAYYIDS UNDER THE MUGHALS (SHAHJAHAN)
DISSERTATION Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Award of the Degree of faster of ^IjilostopI)? fXI r?">»; -. / 1.-.-. f.. ^ ' ••'.,
BV REYAZ AHMAD KHAN
Under the supervision of DR. AFZAL HUSAIN
CENTRE OF ADVANCED STUDY DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSreV ALIGARH (INDIA) 1996 CKI'CZED-2002 ^ ^ ^^"^ ^^^^ CENTRE OF ADVANCED STUDY 1 External . 4 0 0 1 4 (• Telephones | j^,^^^.,, ^T
DEV'ARTMENT O! HISTORY ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERS1T^ ALlGARH-202 00; (li.P.V ISHIA READER IN HISTORY
April 06.4.1996
Certified that Mr.Reyaz Ahmad Khan had carried out research on 'Muzaffar Khan Khan-i Jahan and Barha Sa^-yids under the Mughals (Shahjahn)* This dissertation is the original work of the candidate and is suitable for submission for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy.
,U>^ ( Dr4Af2el Husain ) Supervisor DEDICATED
TO
THE SACRED MEMORY
OF
MY PARENTS CONTENTS
Page No.
PREFACE i-iii
CHAPTERS
I - Brief History of Barha Sayyids under Akbar and Jahangir. 1-25
II - Career and Military Campaigns of Muzaffar Khan Khan-i Jahan 26-52
III - Biographical sketch of other prominent Barha Sayyids under 53-82 Shahjahan
IV - Role of Barha Sayyids in the war of succession 83-90
V - Conclusion 91-94
APPENDICES
A. Mansabs granted to Barha Sayyids during Akbar's reign 95
B. Mansabs granted to Barha Sayyids during Jahangir's reign 96
C. Mansabs granted to Barha Sayyids during Shahjahan 97-98
D. Offices held by Barha Sayyids during
the reign of Shahjahan 99
E. Family Charts. 100-101
BIBLIOGRAPHY 102-107 PREFACE For long historians had preoccupied themselves with monarchs, and royal dynasty untill Satish
Chandra through his work "The Parties and Politics at
the Mughal court" 1707-1740, Aligarh 1959, made a major departure in Medieval Indian historiography by focussing on the nobility. This shift in focus may have been actuated by the realisation that "the kings however despotic they might have been, after all represented only a part of the ruling class." As a logical corollary remaining members of the ruling classes must merit a close an attention. Since then much work had already been done on Mughal nobility.
During the last few decades, M. Athar All's The
Mughal nobility under Aurangzeb, Bombay, 1966, "A history of Afghan Rule in India by M.A. Rahim, I.H.
Siddiqui's Mughal Relation with Indian Ruling Elite
Delhi 1983, and 'The Afghan nobility and the Mughals'
(1526-1707) by Rita Joshi were published. Two monographs on 'Political career of Mughal nobles such as Political Biography of a Mughal noble: Munim Khan- i Khanan' 1497-1575 by I.A. Khan and 'Kachhwahas under Akbar and Jahangir' Delhi 1976 by Refaqaat All
Khan have also been published. ii
The Barha Sayyids as Tuzuk mentions 'formed the vanguard of the Mughal armies and were very proud of
their martial qualities' (p.366), also constituted an
important element of the Mughal nobility. The Mughal
Emperors from Akbar onwards gave them mansabs and
high offices, but they have not been made the subject
of a thorough study so far.
The present work, therefore, is an attempt to
fill up the lacunae; however, our study mainly
focusses the role of Barha Sayyids during the reign
of Shahjahan. I have tried to identify the prominent
Barha Sayyids alongwith their offices and mansabs.
Their political role on the basis of important events
during Shahjahan's reign has also been analysed. It
would be my privilege to thank Prof. Irfan Habib,
Coordinator, Centre of Advanced Study in History, who
helped me to develop the perception of History as ai
subject and initiating me in research in history. I
am also grateful to Prof. I.H. Siddiqui, Chairman,
Deptt. of History, for all help extended to me.
With kindest regards and a deep sense of
gratitude, I avail of this opportunity to express my
indebtedness of Dr. Afzal Husain, a guide and teacher ill
Par excellence without whose help and guidance, this humble effort would not have reached maturation.
Grateful thanks are due to Prof. S.P. Gupta for providing help in many ways.
I would like particularly to thank Prof. A.J.
Qaisar to give me valuable advice on the historiographical trends of Medieval India.
I am thankful to my friends for their help and constant encouragement at the time of preparing this dissertation.
My sincere thanks are due to the staff of
Research Library of Centre of Advanced Study in
History and Maulana Azad Library, A.M.U., Aligarh, for the assistance they extended to me.
Last but not the least my regards, respect, love and affection to my loving brothers and sisters who always stood by me and provided constant encouragement and without their selfless love and sacrifices, I would not have been what I am today.
(REYAZ 4HMAD KHAN) CHAPTER I
BRIEF HISTORY OF BARHA SAYYIDS UNDER AKBAR AND JAHANGIR 1
The Barha Sayyids were one of the Largest and most influential group among Indian Muslim
{Shaikhzadas) in the Mughal nobility. They were admitted in the Mughal service in the reign of Akbar and within a very short period by Sheer dint of their military ability and prowess in the battle field they came to enjoy an important place at the court.
Although Akbar admitted many other Shaikhzada
families but no other family comes equal to them except the family of Shaikh Mubarak and Shaikh Salim
Chishti who had special relationship with the
Emperor. However, even these two families could not
count so many mansabdars as the Barha. During the
reign of Jahangir and Shahjahan, they considerably
improved their position both in terms of mansabs and
offices that they were offered specially during
Shahjahan's reign. But so far no detailed study of
Barha Sayyids under Shahjahan had been undertaken and
their fame . rests most on Sayyid brothers who dominated the court of Farrukh Siyar.
In the present work, we have made a detailed
study of Barha Sayyids under Shahjahan with particular emphasis on the career of Muzaffar Khan
Khan-i Jahan. But as the study of this kind must necessarily begin with the study of Barha Sayyids under Akbar and Jahangir, in the present chapter a detailed study is presented.
A brief history of the family along with the list of Barha mansabdars of Akbar was prepared by
Blochmann. Apart from that no serious attempt was made to reconstruct their position in our period although references about them have been made in all most all important contemporary and near contemporary sources.
According to their traditions, Abul Farah, the ancestor of Barha Sayyids left Medina because of the persecution of the contemporary rulers and came to
Wasit in Iraq. He went to Ghaznin from Wasit and from there his four sons came to India in the army of
Shihabuddin Ghauri. These four sons Sayyid Abul Fazl,
Sayyid Abul Fazail Sayyid Baud, Sayyid Najmuddin settled in Tihanpur, Chatbanauri, Jajner and Kundli.
1. References of Barha Sayyids could be found in the following works - Akbarnama, Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, Ain-i Akbari, I(tr), Notes on Barha Sayyid, Statistical Discriptive and Historical account Account of North west Provinces of India, vol.Ill, Muzaffarnagar, District.
2. Nevill, p.160. villages in the Panjab. The families retained these names when they migrated to localities within the present Muzaffarnagar District of Uttar Pradesh and
are still known by these names.
Several views are given about the derivation of
their name Barha. One view is based on their
preference to live outside (Bahir) the city of Delhi.
Another opinion is that it is taken from 'Abrar'
i.e., the pure Sayyids." Still another view is that
since they were shias and followers of twelve Imams,
they called themselves 'Barhas'.-^ Jahangir in his
memoirs writes that, "They call twelve Jbara in Hindi.
As in the Duab there are twelve villages near each
other which are the native country of these Sayyids,
they have become known as Sayyids of Barha".^
In the course of their stay in the region, they
developed considerable influence over local
zamindars. It is said that after the death of one
Raja Ram Chand on the request of the widow Rani
Sayyid Hasan of Chhatrauri house appropriated his
whole state. It also appears that before joining
1. Nevill, p.161.
2, Tuzuk-i Jahangiri,, p.366 Mughal service. Some of the Sayyids were in the service of Afghans and had enjoyed some position with them. However, it had not been possible to trace the position of Barha Sayyids before Mughals. According to local traditions, they worked as menial servants in the army of Humayun.-'- Perhaps on this account the
Sayyids call each other among themselves as dogs, donkeys, oilmen, washermen etc. From the ain also we could not gather whether they possesed zamindari rights in the villages, as in its listing of zainindar castes in sarkar of Saharanpur, it enters Sayyids in some Parganas, but the Sayyids of Barha are not recorded as zammdars anywhere.
There was a controversy during the reign of
Akbar and Jahangir regarding their geneology. Once, in the court of Akbar, some nobles questioned Sayyid
Mahmud Barha about his ancestory, Sayyid Mahmud
Jumped in a fire nearby Saying that since he is true
Sayyid, the fire would not hurt him.^ Jahangir himself notes that some people make remarks about
1. Nevill, p.162
2. Ain-i Akbari, II, (tr.) See account of twelve suJbas.
3. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.1, p.189. their lineage but their bravery is convincing proof of their being Sayyid.-'- Farid Bhakkari confesses that he does not know much about the family. Sayyid
Mahmud Barha of the Kundliwal House was the first
Barha Sayyid to have joined Mughal service. Before entering the Mughal service, he was in the employment of Sikandar Afghan. He deserted Sikandar during the siege of Mankot and came over to the Mughals. It is said he joined the personal service of Bairam Khan.
When Bairam Khan sent an advance guard under the command of Khan-i Zaman, Sayyid Mahmud also despatched with him. After the victory at Panipat in 1556, he was despatched against Haji Khan in the expedition against Ajmer. In 1558 he was despatched alongwith Adham Khan against the rebellious
Bahaduriya tribes of Hatkant. He was also deputed for
1. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.362-364.
2. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.1, p.182.
3. MuntaichaJb-ut Tawarikh, vol.11, p.l8; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11 pp.375-377.
4. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, p.33.
5. Muntakhab-ut Tawarikh, pp.46, 6 6; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pp.375-377. the conquest of the fort Jaitaram in Jodhpur. Later
on, when the Emperor was alienated from Bairam Khan,
he joined imperial service and received a jagir in
Delhi.^
It appears that Sayyid Mahmud joined the Mughal
service as a political gamble, because he found the
position of the Afghans to be very precarious. But
except him no other Barha Sayyid is noticed in our
sources till after the overthrow of Bairam Khan.
However, when the reins of government came into
the hands of the Emperor and he was faced with
opposition in his nobility; he seems to have
introduced two new elements of Indian origin viz:, the
Rajputs and the Indian Muslims to counter the old
nobility.-^ The admission of Barha Sayyids, who were
admitted in large numbers after the over throw of
Bairam Khan, would seem to support this view.
In the siege of Chittor which was personally
supervised by the Emperor, the Sayyids of Barha
1. Akbarnama, vol.11, p.78. Munta^haJb-ut Tawarikh, vol.11, p.7 8; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11 pp.375-378.
2. iJbid., vol.11, pp.3^5-377.
3. Iqtidar Alam Khan, The Nobility of Akbarnand the Development of his Religious policy', Proceeding ot Indian History Congress, 1966. fought bravely, and Sayyid Jamaluddin son of Sayyid
Ahmad Khan Barha was killed when a mine exploded. •*•
In the Gujarat campaign, Sayyid Mahmud Barha,
'Sayyid Ahmad Khan, Sayyid Qasim and Sayyid Hashim
were despatched to accompany the advance guard of
Khan Kalan. After reaching Pathan its charge was
given to Mirza Khan under the tutelage of Sayyid
Ahmad Khan. After the conquest of Ahmadabad, Akbar
decided to expel the Mirzas from Gujarat. An array was
sent under Mansingh, Sayyid Mahmud and others for the
conquest of Surat, Which was under the occupation of
the Mirzas. But in mean time information was received
that Ibrahim Husain Mirza, having come out from
Broach, had come very close to royal camp.
Consequently the army was recalled, Akbar hurried
forward and joined by Sayyid Mahmud and others
raising the Strength of the army to only two hundred
men. A fierce battle was fought at Sarnal in which
1. Akbarnama, vol.11, p.317; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.379.
2. Akbarnama, vol.11, p.372, III, 6; Muntakhab-ut Tawarikh, vol.11, pp.139-140; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pp.370-379, 409-410 8
Ibrahim was defeated and put to flight. After the victory at Sarnal the Emperor along with Sayyid
Mahmud and other Barha Sayyids marched to conquer the
Surat. While the operations were in progress, the
Mirzas tried to create commotion near Pattan. Ibrahim
Husain attempted to surprise Agra. Akbar despatched
Sayyid Mahmud, Shah Quli Mahram and Bhagwat Das to intercept the rebels.
While the Emperor was in Surat, Muhammad Husain
Mirza, Shah Mirza and Fauladi Afghans attacked Pattan and besieged Sayyid Ahmad Barha. Mirza Aziz Koka rushed to his help and the Mirzas raised the siege.
After the defeat of Mirzas, Khan-i Alam along with
Sayyid Qasim Barha was deputed to pursue Muhammad
Husain Mirza who had fled to the Deccan.
After the completion of the conquest of
Gujarat, Sayyid Mahmud returned to the court along with Akbar, but Sayyid Ahmad, Sayyid Qasim and Sayyid
1. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.11-16,• Muntakhab-ut Tawarikh, vol. p.141.
2. Akbarnama vol.Ill, p.19.
3. Ibid., vol.Ill, p.23.
4. Munta;chaJb-ut Tawarikh, vol.11, pp. 147-149; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.378-379. Hashim were left in Gujarat.
Soon after Akbar's departure, Gujarat was again invaded by the rebels and Mirza Aziz Koka was besieged. On hearing this, Akbar personally marched towards Ahmadabad. A strong advance guard was formed under Man Singh, Bhagwant Das, Sayyid Mahmud and other Barha Sayyids.-"- In the battle fought with
Muhammad Husain Mirza, the Barha Sayyids were in the centre under the command of Mirza Khan. The centre was responsible for the great victory, and in the battle Sayyid Mahmud Barha and Rai Singh distinguished themselves.
In the same year after the reconquest of
Gujarat, Sayyid Mahmud along with Amroha Sayyids, was despatched against the rebel Madhukar. Sayyid Mahmud behaved courageously and brought the country to order. Shortly afterwards Sayyid Mahmud died.^
In 1575, a contingent of Barha Sayyids was despatched under Sadiq Khan to Basantpur which
1. Akbarnama, vol.11, pp.41-43,• Muntakhab-ut Tawarikh, vol.11, pp.164-190
2. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.47-49.
3. Ibid., vol.Ill, pp.143-144. 10 belonged to sarkar Kumaon to crush the rebels. The rebels had previously defeated an imperial army under
Husain Khan.
In the same year Sayyid Ahmad and Sayyid Hashim along with a contingent of Barha Sayyids were sent against Chandrasen who had strengthened the fort of
Siwana. The Barha fought boldly and inflicted losses on the rebels. However, the fort Siwana was only captured in 1576 under the command of Shahbaz Khan
Kamboh.^
In 1576 Man Singh was sent against Rana Pratap of Mewar. He was accompanied by Sayyid Ahmad, Sayyid
Qasim, Sayyid Hashim, Sayyid Raja and a number of other Barha Sayyids. Some of the Barha Sayyids under the command of Sayyid Hashim numbering eighty were in the vanguard, and Sayyid Ahmad commanded the right wing. There was severe fighting and Sayyids reputedly threw the valour of Rajputs into the Shade. Badauni remarks, "that if Sayyids would have not held ground
1. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.14 3-144.
2. IJbid., vol.Ill, pp.159, 167-168; The author of Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.,378-379, says that Sayyid Ahmad died in 1572-73 which is not correct because he was with Man Singh in the campaign against Rana Pratap in 1596. See Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.166-167. 11 the affair would have turned disgraceful.
After the victory, Akbar took steps to isolate the Rana. Sayyid Hashim and Rai Singh were deputed to bring to submission Sultan Deora of Sirohi and Taj
Khan of Jalor. Realising the futility of resistance they agrecst"^ Submit Hashim and Rai Singh were posted at Nadal to keep watch on the chiefs of those territories and to block the road to Rana' s territory. •5
Later on in 1577, another army under the command of Shahbaz Khan was sent against Rana Pratap.
Man Singh, Raja Bhagwatpur, Sayyid Raju, Sayyid Qasim and Sayyid Hashim were ordered to accompany him.
In 1580, Sayyid Hashim and Sayyid Qasim were ordered to march against Chandrasen son of Maldeo who again rebelled. After a fight they expelled him form
1. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.166-167, 174-176; Muntakhab-ut Tawarikh, vol.11, pp.22 8, 23 0-234; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.Ill, pp.403-404.
2. Akbarnama, vol.III, pp.184-19 0; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.409-410.
3. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.218-219; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.409-410.
4. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.318-319; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.409-410. 12 the imperial territory.
It appears that until 1584 Sayyid Hashim and
Sayyid Qasim remained at Ajmer serving in the
imperial armies. They were also granted jagir in the
suba^ However, in 1580 they were appointed with
Abdur Rahim Mirza Khan to Gujarat who was called upon
to chastise Muzaffar Gujarati.-^ The vanguard of the
army was commanded by the Barha Sayyids. In the
battle fought at Sarkhij, Sayyid Hashim was killed
and Sayyid Qasim was severely wounded. Mirza Khan
achieved a great victory but Muzaffar escaped.
After sometime Muzaffar again revolted. Abdur
Rahim Mirza Khan himself proceeded towards cambay
leaving Sayyid Qasim and other Barhas to defend
Pattan; he also left Sayyid Lad and Sayyid Bahadur
along with some other Barhas in the village of
1. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.409-410.
2. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.409-410, 413-414; Ma'asir-ul Umara; vol.11, pp.409-410.
3. Akbarnawa, vol.Ill, p.425; Muntakhab-ut Tawarikh, vol.11, pp.331-32; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.409-410.
4. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.452-454; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pp.409-410. 13
Hadala.^
While the Gujarat rebels were hard pressed by
Adbur Rahim Mirza Khan, Raja Jagannath was despatched again it Rana Pratap in the same year along with
Sayyid Raju. The Sayyid was left at Mandalgarh while
Jagannath proceeded towards Rana's headquarters. The
Rana escaped and raided the imperial territories
Sayyid Raju marched forward to pursue him but the
Rana fled towards chittor. Jagannath and Raju
sometime later made a surprise attack on the Raja's
residence, and narrowly missed capturing him.
In 1585 when Abdur Rahim Khan Khanan came to
the court, he left Qulij Khan to defend Ahmadabad and
Sayyid Qasim was appointed commander of the forces of
the province. During the absence of Abdur Rahim Khan
Khanan, Muzaffar once again invaded the territories
of Jagannath with the help of the Jam. He gained
initial success, but Sayyid Qasim and Nizam-uddin
took immediate action, plundered the town of Rajkot
and break back Muzaffar.-^
1. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.44 0, 4 68; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.402-403.
2. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.4 71-4 72; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.409-410.
3. Muntakhab-ut Tawarikh, vol.11, p.345; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.409-410. 14
In the meantime while Abdur Rahim Khan Khanan was coming back from the presence he forced the Raja
of Sirohi and Ghazin Khan of Jalor to surrender. In both these engagements he was aided by Sayyid Qasim &
Nizamuddin.
During the year 1587 and 1588 the sayyids of
Barha under Sayyid Qasim and Nizamuddin fought many
battles with Muzaffar, the Jam, the ruler of lesser
Kutch, and achieved much success.
In 1590, Gujarat was assigned to Mirza Aziz
Koka. The Sayyids remained during his tenure of
office, also in Gujarat and fought in every battle
against Muzaffar, their place being as usual in the
vanguard. Except Sayyid Qasim, Sayyid Bayazid, Sayyid
Salim, Sayyid Bahadur and Sayyid Mustafa are also
referred to during this period.^
In the year 1591-92 when Abdur Rahim Khan
Khanan was despatched for the conquest of Thatta, the
Barha Sayyids also accompanied him, for Sayyid
1. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.524, 30-31; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.409-410.
2. Akharnama, vol.Ill, pp.593-595, 597; Tabaqat-i Akbari, vol.11, pp.411, 413-414.
3. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.608-609 & 633-634. 15
Bahadur Barha is said to have served in flanks. After
the conquest of Thatta, when the Khan-i Khanan
proceeded to the court, he left Sayyid Bahadur along
with Hasan Ali to guard the country. •*•
When in 1591, Murad was appointed governor of
Malwa, Sayyid Raju was placed under him.^ The Prince,
Later on proceeded against Madherkar who was in open
rebellion. But in the meantime Emperor ordered him to
return from the territory of Madhukar. Raju was left
o
to tackle him.-^
After sometime Murad was deputed to the Deccan.
Sayyid Raju, Sayyid Qasim and other Barha Sayyids
accompanied to the Prince, under Abdur Rahim Khan
Khanan. Owing to misunderstanding among Mughal
commanders, dissesion arose in the camp, and this
weakened the Mughal army when it besieged the fort of
Ahmadnagar.^ The enemy attacked the Mughal forces but 1. Akbarnama., vol.Ill, pp.596-600; Afa'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.402-403.
2. Ibid., vol.11, pp.402-403.
3. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.698-699; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.403-404 & 409-410
4. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.6 98, 7 01; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.II, pp.400-403.
5. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, pp.69 9-700; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.402-403. 16 retreated without achieving much success. In the battle Sayyid Raju and Sayyid Alara were killed. The
Emperor assigned the jagir of Sayyid Raju to his sons.-^ In the meantime Suhail Khan who had come with a big army to help Chand Bibi challenged the
Mughals. In .the subsequent battle fought at Ashti, the Mughals were defeated in the first instance. But finally, Khan Khanan defeated Chand Bibi's forces with the help of Daulat Khan Lodi, Sayyid Qasim and the Barha Sayyids.
After the death of Murad, Command of the Deccan
forces was given to Daniyal in 1599. In the same year
Sayyid Qasim was killed while fighting the
Deccanis.
In 1600, Shaikh Farid Bukhari along with a big army which included a contingent of Barha Sayyids was
sent to besiege Asirgarh.'^
After 1600, we do not get reference to Barha nobles in our sources until the last days of Akbar
1. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.1, pp.43-45; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.402-403.
2. Akbarnama, vol.Ill, p.75 7.
3. Ibid., vol.Ill, p.767.
4. Ibid., vol.Ill, pp.797-798. 17 when the Emperor was on his death bed. It appears that during this period Shaikh Farid Bokhari was their principal mentor. We have already seen that under his command they had previously offered military service. The. Barha certainly had very intimate relations with the Shaikh. •'•
During the last days of Akbar a conspiracy was planned by Aziz Koka and Man Singh to arrest Salim and enthrone his son Khusrau. But Shaikh Farid
Bukhari collected his Barha soldiers and went to offer allegiance to Prince Salim. The great support rendered by the Barha was generously rewarded by
Jahangir after his accession. Sayyid Ali Asghar who was in personal service of the Prince was promoted to the rank of 3000 and given the title of Saif Khan.
In 1605, Prince Khusrau rebelled. An army under the command of Saif Khan and Sayyid Jalal was sent against him. The battle was unusually serve and the
Barha and Bukhari Sayyids had to bear the brunt of
1. Halat~i Asad Beg, pp.52-53.
2. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.13-14; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.410-411.
3. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, p.3 0; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.410-411 18 the fight. The Barhas, as usual, were in the vanguard and at one stage about 50 or 60 of them had to face some 1500 Badakhshis. Fortunately Sayyid Kamal
Bukhari came to their rescue, otherwise they would have been cut down to a man. Even then Sayyid Jalal was killed and Saif Khan Severely wounded. Saif Khan was promoted to the rank of 2000/1000.-^ Later on in
1609 Saif Khan was assigned faujdari of Hisar and received a further promotion to the rank of
2500/1350.^
In 1610 certain Barha nobles such as Adam
Barha, and Sayyid Ali, both from Gujarat were favoured. Next year Sayyid Adam was killed while fighting against the Afghan chief, Usman in Bengal.
In 1613, Khurram was sent against Rana of Mewar. It would appear that Saif Khan was also deputed with him, because at his request the mansab of Saif Khan was increased to 3000/1500. Along with him Hizabr
l.Tuzuk i Jahangiri, p.IS; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.410-411.
2. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.86-87; Sayyid Ali was promoted to the rank of 1500/700, 166, 209-210.
3. Ibid.; p.12 7; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.410-411, 415-416, mentions the appointment against Rana. 19
Khan Barha was also deputed.-^ In 1615, Saif Khan
Barha, Sayyid Ali Barha and Abdullah Barha were raised to the rank of 3000/1000, 1500/1000 and
700/450 respectively. In the following year (1616)
Sayyid Qasim, son of Sayyid Dilawar, was also promoted to the rank 800/450.^
In 1616 news of the death of Saif Khan was conveyed to the Emperor. He had died in the Deccan, which suggests that he was transferred to the Deccan from Ajmer along with Prince Khurram when the latter was appointed viceroy of the Deccan. His two sons,
Ali Muhammad and Bahadur were given ranks of 600/400 and 400/200, and his nephew Sayyid Ali Barha was also promoted to the rank of 1000/600.-^
In 1619 Sayyid Abdullah came from Deccan with the news of peace reached with the Deccanis. He was given jagir worth Rs.2,000,000 in return for communicating this joyful news to the Emperor. He was also given the title of Saif Khan.
1. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.148, 146, 138, 159
2. Ibid., pp.159, 163;
Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.410-411.
3. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.188-189.
4. Ibid., pp.228, 230. 20
While the Emperor was in Gujarat in the 1618, he promoted certain Barha nobles who were serving in that province. Sayyid Hizabr Khan was promoted to the rank of 1000/400; Sayyid Bayazid and other were also rewarded in the like manner. In the same year Safi
Barah, who had been serving in the Kangra campaign, was killed along with his brethren while Fighting
Surajmal.
Izzat Khan, who was serving in Bangash at the request of Mahabat Khan, had his mansaJb increased
1500/800. In the same year his brother Abdul Wahab
Barha was given title of Diler Khan and his mansab was increased to 1000/500, in reward for his service in Gujarat. He was appointed of Barha.^
During the Emperor's visit to Kashmir in 1620, new of the death of death of Izzat Khan was received from Bangash. He had been deputed by Mahabat Khan to go to the hill country and ravage the corps of
Afghans. The Afghan entrapped him assaulting from all sides killed him and his brothers. Jahangir had great
1. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.254-255.
2. Ibid., II, pp.40, 73; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.493-494.
3. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.307-308. 21 regard for him and his family. Therefore, maneab and jagir was given to his minor son, so that those left should not be scattered about, and others might have increased hope' . At the same time Diler Khan, a brother of Izzat Khan, was also promoted to the rank of 1000/800.^
In the same year Hizabr Khan was deputed with
Khan-i Jahan Lodi who was appointed to Multan. He was promoted to the rank of 1500/600 and ordered to proceed along with his sons Sayyid Ali and Abdul
Hadi.2
In 1622, Shahjahan was ordered to march to
Qandhar with all his troops. But the prince who had developed ulterior motives proposed to remain in
Mandu till the rainy season. The message of Shahjahan was not appropriated by the Emperor because of the growing pressure of Persians. Therefore, he ordered the Prince to despatch immediately all great amirs, the Barha and Bukhari Sayyids to court. It is not
1. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, vol.11, pp.191, 196.
2. Ibid., vol.11, p.345.
3. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, pp.10-12, and pp.13-15. A brief biography of Muzaffar Khan and Sayyid Shuja'at Khan has been given by author. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pp.758, 759, II, 423-424. 22 known whether he complied with the orders, but certain Barha nobles were with him when he openly rebelled. Sayyid Muzaffar Khan and Sayyid Shuja'at
Khan, who were in the personal services of the
Prince, are referred to in all our sources. But at the same time many of the Barha nobles remained loyal to the Emperor. When the imperial armies were deputed to fight the rebels, in the battle of Bilochpur, the
Barha Sayyids were placed under the command of
Abdullah Khan Firoz Jung. Although Abdullah Khan deserted in the midst of the battle, the Barhas remained firm and loyal and many of them were killed in the battle. After the battle, Sayyid Bahawa was promoted to the rank of 2000/1500.^
When an army was appointed to pursue the rebels under Parvez and Mahabat Khan along with others,
Hizabr Khan was also deputed with them.
After that we have very little information regarding activities of Barhas. However, in the rebel
1. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.357-358; Ma'asir-i Jahangiri, vol.1, pp.493-494.
2. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.360-361; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.415-416.
3. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, pp.10-12; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.758, II, pp,423-424. 23 camp, Shuja'at Khan and Muzaffar Khan accompanied the
Prince all along in his marches. When the Prince proceeded towards Bengal, Muzaffar Khan fought a battle with Ibrahim Khan Fateh Jang and defeated him; the Sayyid remained royal to Khurram throughout.
But Shuja'at Khan left the Prince after Shahjahan's defeat at the battle of Jons, when he came to know that the Prince wished to proceed to Iran. He came to his home town.
Shahjahan after being defeated fled towards the
Deccan. As Bhim was killed at Bilochpur, he Muddier the suba of Gujarat to Abdullah Khan who in the turn appointed Wafadar to take its charge. The officers of
Gujarat under Mirza Safi and Diler Khan Barha expelled Wafadar. When Abdullah Khan came to know of it he rushed to defend Ahmadaab, but he was also defeated by Safi and Diler Khan Barha. For his meritorious service Diler Khan was promoted to the rank of 2000/1200.'* It was at this time Jahangir
1. ZaJchirat-uI Khawanin, vol.Ill, pp.13-15. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.758; II, pp.423-424
2. He was an Irani office.
3. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.362-364, 366.
4. Ibid., p.269. 24 remarked about their bravery and quded Aziz Koka as saying that 'the Barha Sayyids were the averters of clamity for the Mughal dominion, and added that such was in reality the case.-'-
In 1623, while the imperial armies were in
Ahmadabad under Parvez and Mahabat Khan, a strange event took place, in which the Barha Sayyids and the
Rajputs came to blow one of the brother of Sayyid
Kabir Barha had some grievance against a cutter whose shop was near Raja Girdhar's lodging. This minor event took a violent turn in which Rajputs and
Sayyids used bows and swords. Sayyid Kabir also came to their help. Raja Girdhar and his Rajputs closed doors to protect themselves. The Sayyids set fire to the door, entered into the house and killed Girdhar and his twenty six servants. Some Sayyids were also killed when the Rajput came to know of it, they armed themselves and so did the Barhas. The Rajputs assembled in a plain outside the citaded. Mahabat
Khan having been informed of it, rushed to the place and soothed the Rajputs. He took some of the chief men of the Rajput and went to the house of Khan-i
Alam. Parvez also reached there. Mahabat Khan
1. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.274-275. 25 promised to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The crisis was averted at the moment, but the Rajputs could not be pacified. Sayyid Kabir was arrested and later on executed because Rajputs could agreje to nothing but capital punishment to Sayyid Kabir.
This event may have created ill feeling among Sayyids towards the imperialists, but there is no evidence to prove it.
A survey of events suggests that Barha had a soft corner for Shahjahan when Jahangir died, Diler who was in Gujarat was the first to come forward and render homage to Shahjahan. Hizabr Khan was with
Asaf Khan at time of Jahangir's death, and fought against Shahryar.^ It appears that Shahjahan also had great regard for them. After his accession no less than seven persons of Barha families were promoted.
1. Ma'asir-ul Uwara, vol.1, pp.493-494
2. Ibid., vol.1, pp.415-416. CHAPTER II
CAREER AND MILITARY CAMPAIGNS OF MUZAFFAR KHAN KHAN-IJAHAN 26
CAREER OF SAYYID ABUL MUZAFFAR KHAN KHAN-I JAHAN
Sayyid Abul Muzaffar more popularly known as
Muzaffar Khan Khan-i Jahan Barha was the son of
Sayyid Yusuf. He was born at village Bihari in
Muzaffarnagar district in 1580, and belonged to
Tihanpuri branch of the Barha Sayyids. He was very well educated by his father and special training was provided to him in marshal arts. As the Barha Sayyids enjoyed an important Position at the Mughal court right from the time of Akbar, Muzaffar Khan without any difficulty entered the services of Jahangir in
1618. Muzaffar Khan within a very short period because of his personal valour, pleasing manners and high leaneage became very close to Prince Khurram.
His first important assignment was in 1618 (the year of his joining Mughal service when he was deputed with Prince Khurram on campaign against the Deccanis.
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan fought bravely and was wounded.
The Prince was greatly impressed with his valour as well as military manoeuvres. In 1620, he alongwith
1. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.10, Maasir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.758; Navill, pp.166-167; See appendix -E: (Family Chart)
2. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.758.
3. Ihid; vol.1, p.758. 27
Sayyid Zabardast Khan and other Barha Sayyids under the command of Raja Bikarmajit was again despatched to suppress the Deccanis. As soon as the army entered into the territories of Nizam-ul Mulk, the Deccanis which included large number of Marathas made a vigorous assault on the Mughal army. Raja Bikarmajit alongwith Barha Sayyids fought bravely and defeated them. In this battle, once again Sayyid Muzaffar Khan showed exceptional personal valour and got wounded.
Sayyid Bayazid Barha was killed in this battle.
In 1622, when Prince Khurram rebelled against
Jahangir his father, Sayyid Muzaffar Khan along with other Senior nobles also attached himself with the
Prince. Although at this time Muzaffar Khan was not holding any high rank, but due to his complete loyalty in the entire period of the rebellion, sizeable support of the Barha Sayyids that he apparently wielded he rose in esteem of Khurram. In the course of rebellion Sayyid Muzaffar Khan played crucial role in all important campaigns and events.
1. Dr. Sayyid Safdar Husain and Husain Zaidi, Sa'adat-i Barha, p. 331. t is a recent work of Local history in which detailed history of Sa'adat-i Barha have been given.
2. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.10; Ma'asir-ul 28
After the accession of Shahjahan, Muzaffar Khan rose to a very prominent position at the court. The emperor specially rewarded those nobles who were his associates during his Princehood. Muzaffar Khan remained one of the most intimate companions. In
1628, he was given the mansab of 4000/3000-^ and in the following year was made incharge of Gwalior fort.
His son Mansur was appointed as his deputy.
In 1629, Muzaffar Khan was deputed against
Khan-i Jahan Lodi who had risen into rebellion. He in collaboration with Abdullah Khan Feroz Jung succeeded in suppressing the uprising which earned him promotion to 4000/4000-^ and was subsequently raised
Contd....
Umara; vol.1, p.758; For detailed activity of Sayyid Muzaffar Khan during Prince Khurram's rebellion. See the chapter one. However, Sa'adat-i Barha pp.334-335, provides us an interesting information about Sayyid Muzaffar Khan at the time of captivity of Jahangir by Mahabat Khan, He fought along with Noor Jahan to rescue the Emperor. We do not get this information in any contemporary chronicles.
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt. I p.117. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.758.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama vol.1, pt I, p.245. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.758.
3. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.2 80; Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.10. 29 to 5000/5000, 1000 du aspa sih aspa with the title of
Khan-i Jahan. In 1631, his rank was further raised to 5000/5000, 2000 du aspa sih aspa and he was sent to admonish Adil Shah of Bijapur. He was again promoted to 5000/5000, 3000 du aspa sih aspa in
1632. In 1634, he was deputed with Prince Muhammad
Shuja in the Parenda Campaign. He is again referred as military Commandant of Gwalior in the same year.
In the following year he was appointed governor of
Agra with the rank of 5000/500 du aspa sih aspa..
In 1635, he was deputed to pursue Raja Jujhar
Singh who had again rebelled. In 1641, he was promoted to the rank of 6000/6000, 5000 du asp)a sih aspa and deputed to lead an expedition against Raja
Jagat Singh, the chief of Nurpur in Punjab. After the
1. Qazvini's Badshahnama, f.220a; Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, Pt.I, p.43 0; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.761.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, Pt.I, p.43 0.
3. Ibid., vol.1, Pt.I, p.450.
4. Ibid., Vol.1, Pt. II, p.39. Ma'asir-ul Umara Vol.1, p.762.
5. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.450.
6. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.762. 30 conquest of Nurpur fort he was further promoted to the rank of 6000/6000 du aspa sih aspa.^
In 1644, he was summoned to the court and when
Shahjahan went to Ajmer, he was left there as incharge of Agra. After the return of Shahjahan in the following year he came back to Gwalior. In 1645, he presented himself at Lahore where he was struck with paralysis and died two months later on December
1645.-^ The Emperor grieved for his death and his all three sons were admitted in service and granted mansabs.
During his long service at the Mughal Court;
Muzaffar Khan earned great prestige because of his loyalty personal valour and simplicity of behaviour.
The author, of Zakhirat-ul Khawanin relates an interesting incident from the career of Muzaffar Khan which indicate that inspite of his high rank and the position that attained, he remained very simple.
1. Arzdashts, ff. 19(b)-24(a). Gwaliornama f.128(b) Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.16. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.763.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, pp.718 & 743 Zakhirat-ul Khawanin vol.Ill, p.10. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.765.
3. Ibid., vol.1, p.765. 31
Farid Bhakkari writes 'they say that • one day
Shahjahan seated him at his table and made share his
meal. Afterwards, when the Emperor rose, Muzaffar
Khan ran and placed his.slippers under his feet. The
Emperor was angry and Said *you should have respect
for your high title. When a person has such as title.
We and all the princes not to speak of officers need
his support and he does not make an exceptions in
anybody's favour. In future in all proceedings the
code and rules must be observed.-^
He spent his life with great honour. The author
of Zakhirat-ul Khwanin writes that to everyone of
royal servants who was associated with him he
assigned villages out of his jagir. But he recruited
mostly Barha Sayyids as his retainers and also
favoured them for other positions. In his dealing he
trusted Barha Sayyids more than others.^ The author
of Sa''adat-i Barha tells us that he made special
effort to the education of his community.
The Emperor had so much confidence in him that
the fort of Gwalior became a prison of such royal
1. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin,vol.111, p.12. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.766.
2. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.10 Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.766. 32
Princes and nobles who were considered dangerous for the Mughal Empire. Some important nobles of the
Deccan were also kept at Gwalior. According to
Sa'adat-i Barha the imperial treasury was also kept under his control. On two occasions he was specially summoned to the court to be left there to look after the administration of the capital in the absence of the Emperor. .
1. Path Khan and Husain Nizamshah were imprisioned in the fort of Gwalior. See {Badshahnama, vol.1, pp.533-540.).
2. Sa'adat-i Barha, p.344. 33
CAMPAIGNS OF MUZAFFAR KHAN
(a) Rebellion of Jujhar Singh- Soon after his accession, Shah Jahan had to face serious uprising in
Bundel Khand in 1628 under the leadership of Jujhar
Singh Bundela Son of Bir Singh Bunde la.l After the death of Bir Singh Dev in 1627, Jujhar Singh was recognised by Shahjahan as the ruler of Bundelas. He personally came to court to offer his submission. But
shortly afterwards, the Emperor ordered an enquiry
into unauthorised gains of his father. Jujhar Singh became apprehensive of the move and fled from Agra.
The Emperor deputed Muzaffar Khan along with Mahabat
Khan to pursue Jujhar Singh. The orders were also
issued to Khan-i Jahan Lodi to march from Malwa.
Jujhar Singh was surrounded by Mahabat Khan, Sayyid
Muzaffar Khan and Khan-i Jahan Lodi from three sides.
1. Bir Singh Bundela, son of Raja Madhukar had joined prince Salim and murdered Abul Fazl at his instigation. Jahangir gave him the rank of 4000/2000 in 7th R.Y. and the Gaddi of Urchha after displacing his elder brother Ramchand. He died in 1627, See Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.197-199.
2. Qazvini's Badshahnama, f.l68b., Lahori assigns no reason for his sudden flight (vol.1, p.203). Shaykh Jalal agrees with Qazvini (f.l40). Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.215.
3. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, Pt.I, p.241. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.759. 34
Finding himself incapable of resisting any further,
Jujhar Singh approached Mahabat Khan-^ to intercede on his behalf. The Emperor passed over the offences of
Jujhar Singh. However, some portions of his jagir was confiscated and distributed among Muzaffar Khan,
Khan-i Jahan Lodi, Abdullah Khan and Rashid Khan.^
Muzaffar Khan displayed exemplary courage in crushing the rebels.
However, this campaign, did not succeed
completely and in 1635 Jujhar Singh once again
rebelled against the imperial authority. This time
the army was organised .under the supreme command of
Prince Aurangzeb to deal with Jujhar Singh. Muzaffar
Khan was promoted to the rank of 5000/5000 (3000 du
aspa sih aspa) and deputed to pursue him. Abdullah
Khan Feroz Jung and Khan-i Dauran were also appointed
to co-ordinate him in eliminating the rebels.-^ From
the account of Gwaliornama, which provides us day to
day account of the campaign, we notice that Muzaffar
1. Qazvini does not particularly mention the name of Mahabat Khan (f.l72); but Lahori mentions (vol.1, Pt,I. p.241). Shaykh Jalal Hisari agrees with Lahori.
2. Qazvini's Badshahnama, f.l73. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pp.254-255. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.759.
3. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, Pt.II, pp.94-97. 35
Khan took keen interest in the campaign and kept close vigilance on the activities of Jujhar Singh. He immediately informed the Emperor about Jujhar Singh's capture of the fort Chauragarh and the resulting jauhar performed by Bhim Narayan's family to save their honour. From the same source, we came to know that on this the Emperor was infuriated and an army of 70,000, under the Joint Command of Abdullah Feroz
Jung, Muzaffar Khan and I^han-i Dauran was dispeitched to quell the rebellion.-'- As the fort of Orchha was surrounded by thick Jungles, the progress of the operations slowed. Jungles were cleared and after 15 days the fort was put to seige. The impericilists however, entered into the fort by stratagem and captured it. But Jujhar Singh and his son succeeded in escaping to Dhamoni. The imperialists put to seige
Dhamoni also, but before the fort could be captured,
Jujhar Singh again fled into the Jungle where he alongwith his dependents was put to death by Gonds.^
On the instructions from the court Muzaffar Khan unearthed the hidden treasure of Jujhar Singh from the Jungles of Dhamoni with the help of some forest
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, pp.98-100. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.762.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, pp.110-116; 36 dwellers.
According to Gwaliornama Sayyid Muzaffar Khan won over a Bundela chief Devi Singh and utilised his services in settling the Bundela affairs. Devi
Singh had helped him in the capture of Dhamoni .
Although, the rebellion of Jujhar Singh came to and end for good because the rebel had been killed but
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan's jagirs suffer greatly because of continuous wars and movement of troops. He lost about 4 lac of rupees as a consequence of drought conditions. Besides, that, Panwar and Sakarwal tribes rebelled. He organised his army and supress the rebels. To keep them in control, he appointed Salar
Barha at Karhara which was a strong hold in the midest of Bundelas and Panwars. To get the support of a section of the Rajputs, he strongly recommended the case of Rai Man who played a crucial role in suppressing Bundelas and remained enterenchend in
Gurhi and Kalyani area.^
1. Gwaliornama, ff.137(a) -140(a); Lahauri furnishes a details account of the episode (vol.1, pt.II, pp.99-116); Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.763.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, p.99. He was the son of Raja Bharat who died in 1633; see Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.295-297.
3. Arzdashts, ff.4(a-b). 37
From the Arzdasht it appears that even after the killing of Jujhar Singh, the Situation in that area remained rebellions and military operation continued. Although apparently Muzaffar Khan was not directly involved but he alongwith Abdullah Khan
Feroz Jung with whom he had cultivated very close relations continued to suggest ways and means to establish peace and tranquility in the area. 38 (b) Rebellion of Khan-i Jahan Lodi
In 1628, Khan-i Jahan Lodi, on account of a suspicion which had arisen in his mind, fled from the court. When Asaf Khan learnt about it, he reported the matter to the Emperor. However, before Shahjahan could take any effective steps to prevent Khan-i
Jahan Lodi's flight, he fled from Agra and took the road to Dholpur.
Shahjahan ordered Khawaja Abul Hasan-, .Muzaffar
Khan and certain other nobles to pursue him. Muzaffar
Khan immediately after receiving the orders in the dead of nights rapidly marched and overtook Khan-i
Jahan Lodi and his followers on the bank of Chaimbal near Dholpur. Here a grim battle took place between the imperialists and the rebels in which Husain and
Azamat sons of Khan-i Jahan Lodi, brother Muhammad, sixty servants, of Khan-i Jahan Lodi, Sayyid Sufi grand son of Sayyid Muzaffar Khan and 19 other Barha
1. Khan-i Jahan Lodi was a famous noble of Jahangir's reign. He held the mansab of 6000/6000. After the death of Prince Parvez, he was appointed governor of Deccan. Soon after accession of Shahjahan in 1677 Khan-i Jahan Lodi was given the mansab of 7000/7000 (2-3h) & was confirmed in the governorship of Deccan. For details see Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.11, pp.69-116. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pp.716-732.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.2 76. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.716. 39
Sayyids were killed. The rebels were completely defeated but Khan-i Jahan Lodi managed to escape from the battle field. When this news was reported to the
Emperor, he generously rewarded Sayyid Muzaffar Khan with an increase of 1000 sawar in his rank.
Khan-i Jahan Lodi, after crossing Narmada entered Jujhar Singh's territory and with the assistance of Bikramajit, crossed over to Gondwana.
The Emperor deputed Azam Khan the Subedar of Gujarat alongwith Muzaffar Khan to suppress the rebel Khan-i
Jahan Lodi. At the same time, it was reported that
Muzaffar Khan was unable to ride due to a swelling above the navel. The Emperor Sent Jagjivan the
Surgeon, for his treatment. After the recovery, he returned to court, he was promoted to the rank of
5000/4000 and he was given other precious gifts.'^
After being defeased and chased out from imperial territory Khan-i Jahan Lodi entered in the Nizamshahi country. Where he expected to find a refuge. As the
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p. 278 Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.759.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.280 Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pt.I, p.759.
3. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.280 Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.759.
4. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p. 316 Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pt.I, p.760.
1 T 40 situation in the Deccan had become serious owing to the arrival of Khan-i Jahan Lodi, The Emperor proceeded towards Deccan personally to supervise the campaign against Nizamshah and Khan-i Jahan Lodi.
Under the pressure of the imperial army Khan-i Jahan
Lodi fled to Malwa and via Ujjain came to Kalpi which was stronghold of the Afghans. The Emperor had already sent Abdullah Khan Feroz Jung and Muzaffar
Khan to pursue him.-'- Being hotly chased by the imperialists, Khan-i Jahan Lodi fled from over one place to another. Near Bhander, Muzaffar Khan overtook Khan-i Jahan Lodi and in a fierce battle
Muhammad Khan (S/o Khan-i Jahan Lodi) and many
Afghans were killed.^ However, Khan-i Jahan Lodi escaped towards Kalinjar. Muzaffar Khan immediately crossed Narmada at Akbarpur and reached Dipalpur.
Thereafter from Dipalpur, he marched to Telgaon in pursuit of the rebel where he was joined by Abdullah
Khan.^ But Khan-i Jahan Lodi escaped from there and
Contd
Nizamshahi ruler. He surrendered the territory of Balaghat to Nizamshahi ruler when he was governor of the Deccan. Nizamshah warmly welcomed Khan-i Jahan Lodi, and gave him the Pargana of Bir. Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, pp.271, 290.
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.236.
2. Ibid., vol.1, pt.I, p.349.
3. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.761. 41
entered Nimi, which is 30 kos from Allahabad.-'- The
imperialists reached Nimi and gave him hot chase.
Muzaffar Khan surprised Khan-i Jahan Lodi, when he
was just resting after a long and tiresome journey.
Khan-i Jahan Lodi flew from there and reached the
bank of river Seendh. Shortly afterwards, Muzaffar
Khan and Madho Singh also reached there. In hand to
hand fight Madho Singh wounded him with his dagger
and his followers soon cut him to piece Sayyid
Makhan, son of Sayyid Abdullah Khan, the daughter;
son of Muzaffar Khan and twenty seven other imperial
soldiers were killed.^ Thus the rebellion of Khan-i
Jahan Lodi was finally when suppressed. When Muzaffar
Khan came to the court after this great achievement,
he was given the title of Khan-i Jahan.
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.23 8 Qazvini's Badshahnama, ff.208, 209b; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.761.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.33 8 Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.761. 42
(c) Jagat Singh's rebellions. Muzaffar Khan
demonstrated his military skill in bringing to
submission of Jagat Singh Paithaniya of Nurpur in
Punjab. His father Raja Basu had fought against the
imperial on slaught. There after, he went to
Allahabad during the Princehood of Jahangir and
enrolled himself in the imperial service. He was
succeeded by Suraj Mai. But shortly afterwards he was
replaced by his brother Jagat Singh .because of his
trencherous acts. Although Jagat Singh held the rank
of 3000/2000 during Jahangir's reign and served in
different campaigns, his behaviour was eratic. But
after the accession of Shahjahan, Jagat Singh was not
only confirmed in his rank but given important assign
ments. During his absence the administration of his
1. Raja Basu was the zamindar of Mau. After the throne, Jahangir gave him mansab of 3500. He died in 1612. For detailed see Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pp.157-160.
2. Jagat Singh was the son of Raja Basu {Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pp.238-241). He fought for Shahjahan in the battle with Shahryar (Qazvini f .116) . He came with Asaf Khan to Agra and was confirmed in the rank of 3000/2000 Lahori's {Badshahnama, vol.I, pt.I, p.783) .
3. During the reign of Jahangir, he was sent along with Vikramajit in Pursuit of Suraj Mai on account of his meritorious services, Shahjahan appointed him thanedar of lower Bangash to Punish the rebel Khataks . (Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.64). In 1637, he was deputed to Kabul where he arrested Karim s/o Jalal Tarikh (Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, p.13). In 1639, he took part in recovery of Qandhar alongwith Said Khan 43 father's territories was conducted by his son Rajrup.
But he failed to remit the stipulated revenues from the zamindars, and rebelled when forced to submit the account and pay the arrears. In 1640, Jagat Singh visited Shahjahan in Kashmir where he stayed for few months and succeeded in obtaining imperial sanction for crushing his son's uprising. For one year he remained busy in strengthening the fort with provision and war equipments in the garb of a well- wisher of the Empire. As no progress was made in the
campaign, Shahjahan replace him of the Faujdari of
Kangra and appointed Khanzad Khan.
When Shahjahan summoned him to court, he refused
to do so. Ultimately Shahjahan had no choice except
for ordering an invasion. He despatched Sayyid
Muzaffar Khan and other leading commanders under
supreme command of Prince Murad Baksh to Punish Jagat
Singh and to capture his stronghold of Nurpur.
After the expiry of the rainy season Muzaffar
Khan left Lahore to capture Nurpur (Sept 1641) . His
van led by Najabat Khan defeated Rajrup son of Jagat
Contd
(Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, p.135). In 1639, he was appointed Faujdar of entire Bangash (Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.144).
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pp.237-238.
2. Ibid., vol.11, p.240. Shaykh Jalal; ff.128b-130b. 44
Singh and battered down the massionary work which had been built to stop the imperialists. Muzaffar Khan also succeeded in reaching within one mile of Nurpur fort, but the besieged managed to defend the fort exceedingly well and foiled all the attempts of the imperialists. Muzaffar Khan to blow the fort.
Similarly the attempts made to capture the fort of
Mau also failed. •'• To retrieve the situation Shahjahan transferred Sayyid Muzaffar Khan to Mau where Murad was made incharge of the operation. Sayyid Muzaffar
Khan alongwith Rustam Khan and Bahadur Khan launched offensive with great vigour and forced Jagat Singh to flee from the fort and take shelter at Taragadh. At the same time Nurpur was occupied. Although Jagat
Singh lost two well fortified forts but he was still holding out at Taragadh which was again put to seige by Muzaffar Khan. Having been considerably depleated in men and material, Jagat Singh sent Rajrup to
Muzaffar Khan to intercede on his behalf with the prince for Pardon. It seems the request of Jagat
Singh was taken seriously by the Prince because he
1. Afa'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, pp763.
2. Shaykh Jalal f.l35. Arzdashts ff.21(a-b). Lahori's Badshahnama, vol,I, pp.261-278. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, pp.118-121. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.763. 45 despatched Sayyid Muzaffar Khan to bring Jagat Singh to his prince apparently for negotiations. Muzaffar
Khan was honourably admitted in the fort of Taragadh.
But shortly afterwards, the orders for the demolitions of the fortification created an awkward situation. Bahadur Khan and Asalat Khan who had also come with Sayyid Muzaffar Khan favoured carrying out the orders immediately but Muzaffar Khan counselled delay. At this Jagat Singh broke off the negotiations and refortified himself. Upon this Sayyid Muzaffar
Khan wrote the following despatch to Shahjahan.
"I recommended the case of Jagat Singh not because I am afraid of him. In fact I was thirsty for his blood. My reasons were different. The campaign led by the Prince and other leading officers had lasted too long; and Jagat Singh had taken refuge in a fort which was impregnable. Further operations would have involved the loss of imperial prestige. I am sending Jamal Khan who can explain the entire situation to Your Majesty, and it is in your Majesty's Power to Pardon the rebels or not."
After despatching this letter Muzaffar Khan in successfully restrained the other two commanders from executing the royal orders, and took the entire responsibility in writing on his own shoulders.
It seems that Shahjahan insisted on demolition of the fortification of Taragadh, since in a letter despatch Sayyid Muzaffar Khan wrote to the Emperor that Jagat Singh had agreed to that condition provided other buildings which had been erected for 46 the residence of his family were spared. After demolishing the other fortifications; and leavincj his son-in-law Sayyid Feroz Sayyid, Muzaffar Khan came to the Prince with Jagat Singh on March 1642. Finally,
Jagat Singh was sent to court accompanied by Nazr
Bahadur and Sayyid Muzaffar Khan where his mansab was restored. He passed the rest of his life in the service of crown.
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, p.24 9 Arzdasht, ff.20b-24. 47
(d) Muzaffar Khan and Deccan Campaign
Shahjahan had vast experience in the Deccan as a
Prince. He commanded two very successful expeditions
and held the viceroyalty of the Deccan for a. long
time during the reign of his father Jahangir. During
his rebellion also he stayed there for quite
sometime. He was also aware of the fact that Khan-i
Jahan Lodi handed over the Mughal posts in Balaghatj
especially the fort of Bir to the Nizamshahis at a
bribe of 3 lakh huns. Some territory was lost to the
Deccanis as a consequence of his rebellion and
confusion prevailing at the Mughal Court. Therefore
soonafter ascending the throne he took immediate
action against the affairs of the Deccan Khan-i Jahan
Lodi was confirmed as governor of the Deccan and
ordered to recover the lost territories. But as he
failed to do any thing significant, he was replaced
by Iradat Khan. Khan-i Jahan Lodi rebelled and took
shelter with Murtaza Nizam Shah II. The situation
became so serious that Shahjahan himself proceeded
towards the Deccan and opened his extensive campaign
in Ahmadnagar. During the course of operation against
the Nizamshah's, serious difference developed between
the Mughals and the Bijapuris. It was after the
submission of Fateh Khan that Shahjahan in December
1631 despatched Asaf Khan to invade Bijapur. Muzaffar 48
Khan also accompanied the invading army. The capital was put to seige but ultimately the campaign failed and the Mughal armies/retreated.^
Shahjahan appointed Mahabat Khan as the viceroy of the Deccan and himself returned to North. Mahabat
Khan achieved some significant victories and proposed to capture parenda. Shahjahan immediately accepted his request and despatched Prince Shuja to the Deccan at the head of a large army. Muzaffar JKhan was one o the important military commander of Shuja's array.
After reaching in the Deccan on the advice of Mahabat
Khan the fort of Parenda was put to seige. This campaign is well known and the details are available in almost all modern works. We, therefore, leave the details of the campaign. But fortunately, we have some new information in the Arzdashts which not only sheds light on the difficulties of Parend campaign with which Mughal army was faced but also on the activities of Muzaffar Khan during the campaign.
Muzaffar Khan wrote three Arzdashts during the
Parenda campaign to the Emperor. These Arzdashts
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.43 0; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.761.
2. The fort of Parenda originally belonged to the Nizamshahi was surrendered to the Adil Shahi in 1632. Highlighting the importance of Parenda Kingdom. Muqarrab Khan remarked that if Parenda was allowed to fall into the hands of the Mughals, the extinction of the Nizamshahi would be complete. {Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.761). 49 provide rare information about the arrangements made for procurement of food and fodder and the attempt made by the enemy to cut the supply of the imperialist. The Arzdashts clearly indicate that there was shortage of supplies and specially of fodder for animals. For the collection of grass, the imperialist had to go several kilometers. Besides the imperialist had to go in battle formations the counter the Deccanis who used to attacked them to capture or destroy the provision.
In one of the Arzdashts Muzaffar Khan tells us that the military commanders were posted turn by turn to protect the provisions from the enemy. He further tells us that in search of fodder, the imperialist army had to go long distance (36 kilometers on this particular occasion) . After an hour the enemy at the head of 12,000 horsement attacked the collecting party. Muzaffar Khan confronted the enemy and a pitched battle was fought using matchlocks, iron-
rockets and arrows. But. the pressure of Deccanis was
so heavy that they could be repulsed only after the
timely reinforcement of a part of the army of Prince
Shuja. However, a large number of Barha Sayyids were
killed and wounded. •'•
1. Arzdashts ff . 13(a)-14(b) 50
The Prince was advised to raise the seige as the rains had set in and much progress was not made, besides that there was dissension in the Mughal army.
Modern historians have discussed in detailed th.e causes of the collapse of Parenda campaign thereafter, we are not going to discuss it any more but the Arzdashts of Muzaffar Khan shows that the acute problem of the supplies, no doubt was one of the important cause of the failure of the Mughal armies. The Mughal army had to fight two battles simultaneously one for the conquest of Parenda and the other to procure provisions. In both these actions Muzaffar Khan's role was quite significant.
When.. Shahjahan came to know the failure of
Parenda campaign, he strongly censured Mohabat Khan
and recalled Shuja. As he was very angry with the
turn of events he tried to settle the affairs of
Bijapur through negotiation but when no progress was
made because of the high handedness of Bijapuri
nobles and the weakness of Adil Shah he ordered
Khan-i Zaman, Khan-i Dauran and Sayyid Muzaffar Khan
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, p.47.
2. At this time, Adil Shahi court was divided into two groups. One was headed by Mustafa Khan who was in favour of Peace treaty with Mughal and the other was headed by Khawar Khan who was against any understanding with the Mughal. The (Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, pp.59-60). 51 to invade Bijapur (1636).
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan was called from Gwalior where he had just arrived after suppressing the revolt of Jujhar Singh and despatched to the Deccan.
After reaching Dharwar through Bir where he stayed for sometime he proceeded towards Sholapur which was a part of Sidi Rihan's Jagir and established thana at Dharasin. He fought several battles with Bi3apur.
In one of these engagements Randola Khan. Was wounded by Sayyid Muzaffar Khan and fell from his horse but he was rescued by one of his companions who managed to escape from the battle field. Large portions of Adil Shahi territory was devastated by him. When Adil Shah came to term and submitted Sayyid
Muzaffar Khan returned court.
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, pp.141-144; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.763.
2 . He was one of the most important noble at Adil Shahi court. He with the active support of Randola Khan killed Khawas Khan (Lahori's Badshahnama, vol pt.II, pp.126-130) .
3. It was a strong fort of Adil Shahi kingdom.
4. He was a famous Bijapuri general and fought against the Mughal army. (Lahori's Badshahnama, vol pt.II, p.157) .
5. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, pp.154-176,• Ma' as ir-ill Umara, vol.1, p. 76 3. 5 0
(e) In 1644, a clash took place between Amar
Singh, jagirdar of Nagaur and his brother Rao Karan
Singh, Jagirdar of Bikaner over border dispute in
which some of Amar Singh's servants were killed. Rao
Karan Singh reported this matter to Mir Bakshi
Salabat Khan and requested his help. Amar Singh had
been absent from court for some days on account of
illness. He returned on July, 1644 and Salabat Khan
took him to Dara to present him to the Emperor. Amar
Singh stood on the left, and while the Emperor after
his evening prayers was dictating an order Salabat
Khan came to Amar Singh and started discussing some
matter. Suddenly Amar Singh struck Salabat Khan with
a dragger and killed him. Witnessing the distardly
and unprovoked attack, Khalil-ullah Khan and Arjun
Singh attacked Amar Singh and killed him. Amar
Singh's friends and followers challenged the
assassins of Amar Singh and in the fighting Mir Khan
and Muluk Khan were also killed. At this, Muzaffar
Khan, Rashid Khan Ansari, Sayyid Abdul Rasul Barha,
Sayyid Ghulam Muhammad Barha attacked the leaders of
Amar Singh's party and killed them. Sayyid Rasul
Barha was also killed.''
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, pp.380-384; Md. Shadic witness to the incident says that Salabat Khan was talking to Makramat Khan, at this time the Emperor dictating a farman about Abdullah Khan Feroz Jung. Amar Singh suspected that Salabat Khan was complaining against him.
2. Ibid., vol.1, pt.I, p.384. CHAPTER III
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF OTHER PROMINENT BARHA SAYYIDS UNDER SHAHJAHAN 53
1- SAYYID ALAM BARHA
Sayyid Alam Barha was the brother of Sayyid
Hizbar Khan. He held the rank of 1000/500^ at the end of Jahangir's reign.
After the accession of Shahjahan, he was promoted to the rank of 1500/600.'^ In 1627, Nazr
Muhammad taking the advantage of the initial
instability of Shahjahan's reign entered into the
territory of Kabul and created turmoil in that
region. The Emperor deputed an army under the command
of Mahabat Khan. Sayyid Alam Barha accompanied him
and foiled the invader's bid to capture Kabul.
In 1630, Sayyid Alam Barha was promoted to the
rank of 2000/800"^ and in the following year he was
appointed to accompany Yamin-ud Daula to Balaghat.
1. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, P.263, Sayyid Bizbar Khan Barha held the' rank of 1000/400 under Jahangir. See Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, p,230; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.454.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.l21; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.454-455.
3. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pp.212-215; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455.
4. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.3 06; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455.
5. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, p.4 05; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455. 54
In 1634, along with Prince Muhammad Shuja and
Mahabat Khan, he was sent to Parenda campaign. In the siege operations, he gave good account of his military skill.
In 1635, an army under the supreme command of
Prince Aurangzeb was sent to suppress the rebellion of Jujhar Singh. Sayyid Alam Barha who was in the
contingent of Khan-i Dauran exhibited great valour in
the campaign,.
In 1636, he took active part along with Islam
Khan in quelling the rebellion m Doab. In the same year, he was deputed along with other Barha Sayyids under the command of Khan-i Zaman against Shahji and
to conquere the territory of Adilshah. After the end
of the campaign, he was promoted to the rank of
2000/2000 . ^
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, pp.34-46; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, pp.96-100; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455; See also chapter II.
3. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455.
4. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.197; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455.
5. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.199; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455. 55
In the Balkh and Badakshan campaign lead by-
Prince Murad, Sayyid Alam Barha along with other
Barha Sayyids commanded the vanguard of the army. The
Barha Sayyids discharged their duties with courage
and determination.
After returning from Balkh and Badakshan
campaign, he was appointed faujdar of Gwalior in
place of Sayyid Muzaffar Khan who had expired.
During the war of succession, he took side of
Prince Shuja and remained with him till last . .
When Prince Shuja fled to Arracan hotly pursued
by Prince Aurangzeb's forces he had no one except
Sayyid Alam Barha and ten other Barha Sayyids with
him. He disappeared in that country alongwith Prince
Shuja.^
1. For details information about Balkh and Badakshan campaign see Badshahnama vol.11, pp.502-558; Ma' asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.455.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.474. Waris 56(b) .
3. Alamgirnama, vol.1, pp.239, 252, 258; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.456.
4. Alamgirnama, vol.1, p.561; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.456. 56
2- SAYYID MANSUR KHAN BARHA
Sayyid Mansur Khan Barha was the eldest son of
Muzaffar Khan Barha. After the accession of
Shahjahan, when his father was appointed qiledar of
Gwalior, he was also appointed as its deputy
In 1631, he accompanied his father in the campaign against Bijapur, and performed great feets of bravery in a series of engagement against the
Deccanis. The Emperor in recognition of his service awarded him a robe of honour. It appears that he was not given any independent charge during the life time
of his father and at the time of his father death, he
held the mansab of only 1000/200.'^ When his father
died in 1645, his two younger brothers who were very young, were not only given the mansab of 1000/250
1. Khafi Khan, I, p.618, wrongly calls him grand son of but on page 646 he had been correctly mentioned as son of Muzaffar Khan. See also Appendix E-i (Family Chart). Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.449.
2. Qazvini's Badshanama, p.170.
3. Sada'at-i Barha, p.449.
4. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.3 01.
5. Ibid., vol.11, p.474. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.465. 57 each but were also given the charge of Lahore fort .
But Mansur Khan was neither given any promotion in his previous mansab nor any appointment. Apparently,
Mansur Khan dissatisfied with the attitude of the
Emperor fled from the court. The Emperor was quite displeased with his impudent act and despatched an army under the command of Yadgar Beg-^ to arrest him.
But in the meantime it was reported that he had gone into the Lakhi Jangle where he had been arrested by the karori. Shafiullah Barlas {Mir Tuzak) was sent to bring him to the court. As the karori was closely
related to him, Sayyid Mansur escaped at his
connivance before the arrival of Shafiullah. But on
strong measure having been taken against the karori,
Sayyid Mansur was ultimately arrested by Yadgar Beg
in Sirhmd and brought to the court and imprisoned.
In 1647, he was released at the intervention of
Prince Aurangzeb. Soon he was inducted into the
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.373. Khafi Khan, vol.1, p.618. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pt. I, p.450.
2. Lakhi Jungle or forest with hundred thousand trees was situated near Bhadinda in Punjab.
3. Badshahnama, vol.11, p.477. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.450-451. 5S entourage of Prince Aurangzeb and accompanied him to
Balkh campaign.
When Prince Murad Baksh was appointed governor of Gujarat, Sayyid Mansur was also appointed with him. According to the author of Ma'asir-ul Umara, he was sent to Mecca, soonafter reaching Gujarat apparently on the instruction of the Emperor to offer retribution for his ill deeds in the hope that this might change his unbecoming habits. When he returned from Mecca (1656), on the recommendation of Prince
Murad his rank was restored and he was also permitted to serve with the Prince. Shortly afterwards he was given promotion of 150 sawar on the request of
Murad.
He accompanied Prince Murad, when the Prince in alliance .with Aurangzeb proceeded to clash with
Prince DaraShikoh for the throne. In the battle of
Samugarh Sayyid Mansur gave an example of rare valour. The Prince honoured him with the title of
Khan.^
1. Badshahnama, vol.11, p.632. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.451.
2. Ibid., vol.II, p.4 51.
3. Alamgirnama, I, p.63. Amal'i Suleh, III, p.468. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.451-452 59
when Aurangzeb trecharously imprisoned Murad near Mathura, Sayyid Mansur went over to Aurangzeb who granted him the rank of 3 00 0/1500. "'• Later on, he was despatched alongwith Khalil-ullah Khan in Pursuit of Darashikoh.
However, the author of Sa'adat-i Barha adds that in 1660, after the accession of Aurangzeb, he was appointed faujdar of Baglana and his mansab was increased to 3500/2000.-^ But Shahnawaz Khan specifically mentions that after the war of succession he had no information about Sayyid
Mansur's Career. We have no information either about the date of his death. According to the local traditions he was burried at village Khatoli in
Muzaffarnagar. His jagir comprised of 84 villages.
In a brief note on Sayyid Mansur, Shahnawaz
Khan had pointedly mentioned about his hot and hasty temper and committing of faults from time to tine. He further says that he deserved exemplary punishment
1. Alawgirnamai I, p. 140.
Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.452
2. Ibid., vol.11, p.452.
3. Sa'adat-i Barha, p.352.
4. Ibid., p.3 52. 60 for these acts, but Sayyid Mansur was pardoned for the service of his father who was not only a high ranking noble but a great favourite of Shahjahan.
However, he has not enlightened us as to why he kept on doing mischief. It seems Sayyid Mansur was not satisfied with his position at the court. As discussed above after the death of his father neither he was given promotion in his rank nor appointed to any important office. 61
3- SAYYID QASIM BARHA (SHAHAMAT KHAN)
Sayyid Qasim Khan Barha was the son of Sayyid
Mansud, of Chhatauri branch of Barha Sayyids . He joined Mughal service during the reign of Shahjahan and served under Prince Dara Shikoh. He was posted by the Prince as qiledar of Allahabad.
The most significant development in the career of Qasim Khan took place during the war of succession among the sons of Shahjahan.
After getting the new of Shahjahan's illness,
Prince Shuja proceeded from Bengal and took possession of Bihar. He was also handed over the forts of Rohtas and chunar by the official of
Darashikoh on the written instructions of the Prince.
In the meantime as is well known Prince Dara Shikoh was defeated at samugarh and fled to Lahore, Prince
Dara Shikoh now wrote a letter to Qasim Khan to handover the fort of Allahabad to Shuja. Therefore, when Prince Shuja reached Allahabad Qasim Khan
1. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.681. See Appendix F- iii (Family chart).
2. Alamgirnama, p.2 2 5; Muntakhab-ul Lubab, p.46; Ibid vol.II, p.682. 62 presented himself before him and handed over the fort as per instructions. Prince Shuja left the fort under the command of Sayyid Qasim, who joined him in the battle fought at Khajwa against Aurangzeb. However, after the defeat of Prince Shuja he returned to
Allahabad, strengthened the fort and refused to surrender it to Shuja.
Soon after Aurangzeb deputed Prince Muhammad
Sultan to pursue Shuja & captured Allahabad. Like other Barha, Sayyid Qasim Khan also now decided to change side. Through the good offices of Khan-i
Dauran he surrendered Allahabad to the prince and offered his submission to prince Muhammad. He came to the court where Aurangzeb not only pardoned him but also granted him the rank of 3000/1000 and title of
Shahamat Khan. In 1660, he was appointed thanedar of
Ghazni inplace of Shamsher Khan Tarin. But in 1663, he was removed from the thanedari of Ghazni and nominated as an auxiliary of Kabul Suba. However,
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, pp.250-257,• Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.Ill, p.682.
2. Ibid., vol.1, pp.285-286.
3. Mamuri, 104(a); Alamgirnama, pp.303, 304; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.682.
4. Ibid., vol.11, 6 82. 63 the circumstances in which he was removed from the
thanedari have not been discussed. In 1665 he was appointed as qiledar of Kabul. He remained in Kabul
in various capacities till 1683 when he breathed his
lost.
1. Alamgirnama, I, p.834, Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p. 683 . 64
4- SAYYID SALABAT KHAN BARHA
Sayyid Salabat Khan was the son of Sayyid
Bayazid, a great grand son of Sayyid Mahmud. He started his career in the personal service of Prince
Dara Shikoh. Within a very short period by his loyalty he won the confidence of the prince, and became so close to the prince that in 1651 he was given the rank of 2000/400 and appointed deputy governor of the suba of Punjab. He was also given the title of Salabat Khan.^
During the same year, he was sent to Allahabad to maintain law and order which was in a state of anarchy. In 1654, he was promoted to the rank of
2000/1500.^ While he was posted in Allahabad, he suppressed the rebellion of Anup Singh, the zamindar of Bandhu, adjoining Allahabad. The Raja came to
1. Ma'asir~ul Umara, vol.11, p.457. See Appendix E(iv) (Family Chart).
2. Amal-i Saleh, vol.Ill, pp.115, 121. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pt. I, p.457
3. Ibid., vol.11, pt.I, p.457.
4. Waris, p.220(b). Alamgirnama, p.170. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.458. 65 court alongwith Salabat Khan and offered his submission to the Emperor. At the request of Sayyid
Salabat Khan, Anup Singh was pardoned and admitted in the imperial service.
After getting the news of Shahjahan's illness,
Prince Shuja, the governor of Bengal, marched towards
Agra. Prince Dara Shikoh deputed Prince Sulaiman
Shikoh along' with Sayyid Salabat Khan and other Barha
Sayyids to check the advance of Prince Shuja. In the
battle fought between the armies of Prince Shuja and
Prince Sulaiman Shikoh at Bahadurpur near Banaras
(Feb 1658), Prince Shuja was completely defeated.
But, soon after Sulaiman Shikoh received express
message of the defeat of imperial army at Dharmat
(April 1658) and Aurangzeb's rapid marched towards
Agra. Prince Sulaiman Shikoh immediately proceeded to
the help of his father. But before he could proceed
much further he was informed of the defeat of Dara
Shikoh at Samugarh (29 May 1658) . This resulted into
complete confusion in the army of Prince Sulaiman
Shikoh. A meeting of his officers was held for next
course of action. Several plans were discussed.
1. Amal-i Saleh, p.231. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.45i 6C
Salabat Khan along with other Barha Sayyids who were the best men of his force and inhabited in the area of Doab, advised him to move towards Chandpur Medina and passing through Saharanpur enter into Punjab and join Darashikoh at Lahore. Prince Sulaiman Shikoh proceeded towards Punjab through this route but when he reached Chandpur Medina a battle ensued with the karori of the area, Salabat Khan at this stage decided to leave the services of Sulaiman Shikoh. It appears he was in close touch with the development at
Agra because a number of Barha Sayyids were holding important position in the court. He proceeded towards the court and apparently with the help of Barha
Sayyids he presented himself before Aurangzeb who received him favourably and within a couple of days he was appointed governor of Berar.-^
1. Amal-i Saleh, vol.Ill, p.495. Alamgirnama, vol.1, pp.170, 198. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.458-466 67
5- SAYYID SHAHAB BARHA (SHER KHAN)
Sayyid Shahab Barha was the son of Sayyid Izzat
Khan Barha. In 1639, Shahjahan gave him the mansab of
800/600, and in 1640, he was promoted to the rank of
1000/600.^
In 164.6, Sayyid Shahab accompanied Prince Murad in Balkh and Badakshan campaign. He discharged his duties ably while serving in the vanguard along with other Barhas . ^ He was sent again to Balkh campaign under Prince Aurangzeb in 1649. After reaching there he was sent towards. Bust with Rustam Khan to assist
Qulij Khan. In the battle against the Iranians he distinguished himself by his valiant deeds.
In 1650, he was promoted to the rank of
1500/600, and in 1652 he was again sent along with
Prince Aurangzeb for the conquest of Balkh and
Badakshan. In the following year, when Aurangzeb was replaced by Prince Dara Shikoh to the Balkh Badakshan
1. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.667.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.550; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.667.
3. Badshahnama, vol.11, p.63 2; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.667. 6S
campaign, Sayyid Shahab was retained along with some other notable commanders. In 1654, he was raised to the rank of 2000/700, and in the following year, he was deputed along with Sa'adullah Khan to destroy the fortification of Chittor.
In 1657, he was despatched along with Mu'azzam
Khan to the Deccan to serve under Prince Aurangzeb.
While he was in the Deccan under Prince Aurangzeb he was promoted to the rank of 2500/1200, and was given the title of Sher Khan. He was appointed as the faujdar of Mandsore.'^ He returned to the capital when the Emperor ordered Prince Aurangzeb to raise the
siege of Bijapur and send back nobles to court.
During the war of succession, he was with
Prince Dara Shikoh, but after his defeat at
Samugarh,^ he joined Aurangzeb. Sayyid Shahab and
1. Ma' asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.668.
2. Ihid., vol.II, p.668.
3. Ibid., vol.11, p.668.
4. Amal-i Saleh, vol.Ill, p.272; Badshahnama, vol.1, p.668.
5. Alamgirnarna, vol.1, p. 95.
6. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.1, p.115. 69
Zulfiqar Khan were incharge of artillery in the battle at Khajwa-'- against Prince Shuja. No further information is available about him in any of our sources.
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, p.245; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.668. 70
6- SAYYID SHERZAMAN AND SAYYID MUNAWWAR
Sayyid Sherzaman and Sayyid Munawwar were the
sons of Muzaffar Khan. At the time of their father's death-^ (1645) , they were very young. However, in
recognition of valuable services rendered by their
father, Shahjahan granted them the mansab of 1000/250
each.^
In 1647-48 Sayyid Sherzaman and Sayyid Munawwar
were appointed qiledar^ of Lahore and as both the
brothers were very young, Sayyid Ali Barha their
brother in law was made ataliq^ (guardian). They
continued to hold the charge of Lahore till 1650.
In 1656, taking advantage of the confusion
following the death of Muhammad Adil Shah and
succession of Ali Adil Shah, Shahjahan despatched an
army under the command of Mir Jumla and Shaista Khan
to launch an offensive on Bijapur under the
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.473; His rank at his death in 1645 was 6 0 0 0/6000; p.718. See Appendix E-1 (Family chart).
2. Ibid., vol.11, p.474; Ma' asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.465.
3 . Waris, 16(b); Ma' asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pt . I, p.465.
4. Badshahnama, vol.11, pp.465-466. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pt.I, pp.465-466.
5. Amal-i Saleh, vol.Ill, p.72. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.466. 71 supervision of Prince Aurangzeb. Sayyid Sherzaman was also despatched to the Deccan along with Mir Jumla.
The Mughal army pressed on towards Kalyani and forced
Bijapuris to vacate the fort. Following the fall of
Kalyani and Bider, Prince Aurangzeb laid the siege of
Bijapur. Sayyid Sherzaman showed rare personal valour in the siege operations and attracted the attention of the Prince. The Bijapuris were so hard pressed that they agreed to accept all the demands of the
Mughals short of the annexation of the kingdom. At this stage, imperial government ordered Aurangzeb to suspend war and withdraw army from Bijapur and send nobles back to the court. Although several mansabdars returned to court even without taking permission of Prince Aurangzeb, Sayyid Sherzaman who appears to have established personal contact with the prince, preferred tc remain there.
Sayyid Sherzaman accompanied Prince Aurangzeb, when he marched towards Agra, after reaching an understanding with Prince Murad to contest for the throne. After reaching Burhanpur, Prince Aurangzeb reviewed his forces and promoted some of his noted officers to higher ranks. Alongwith other officers
1. Alamgirnama, p.2 9; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.466.
2. Ihid, vol.11, p.467. 72
Sayyid Sherzaman was also promoted to the rank of
2000/1000-^ and given the title of Muzaffar Khan,-^ by which his father was known in the earlier days. In the battle of Dharmat (April 1658) fought between the imperial army commanded by Jaswant Singh and Qasim
Khan and the combined army of Aurangzeb and Murad, and in the battle of Samugarh (28 May 1658) fought betv;een imperial army headed by Prince Dara Shikoh and combine forces of Aurangzeb and Murad, Sayyid
Sherzaman alongwith a contingent of Barha Sayyids was in the vanguard and fought bravely. In the same year he was sent along with Sayyid Najabat Khan and other
Barha Sayyids under Prince Sultan Muhammad against
Prince Shuja who having come to know that Aurangzeb was away from Agra, decided to capture it. Therefore,
setting out from Bihar in Dec 1658, he reached
Allahabad and without waisting time in attempt to
capture the fort of Allahabad he moved further. His advance, however was blocked by Prince Sultan
Muhammad at Khajwa. In the meantime to the utter
surprise of Prince Shuja, Aurangzeb and Mir Jumla also joined Muhammad on 21, Jan. 1659. Inspite of the
1. Alamgirnama, I, p.49.
2. Ibid, vol.1, p.54. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.467
«/r_ , ^„,' ^ ,, T TTr^-,-^^ ^rr^l TT r-, A CI 73 desertion of Jaswant Singh, Aurangzeb's army achieved a great victory. Sayyid Sherzaman and other Barha
Sayyids who were in the vanguard fought bravely.
After being defeated Shuja with his sons and few followers fled precipitably to Bengal. Aurangzeb despatched his son Muhammad to pursue Shuja.
Sherzaman and a number of Barhas also accompanied the
Prince, Shuja being hotly prusued was chased upto
Hugli. In this campaign also Sayyid Sherzaman remained quite active, but surprisingly in our chronicles, we have no information about him after this incident. However, in Sada'at-i Barha it has been mentioned that due to the sudden and sad demise of his only son Badi-udzaman, he requested Aurangzeb to relieve him from imperial service. He came to his village and passed rest of his life among his clansmen. Sayyid Sherzaman laid the foundation of
Muzaf f arnagar in the honour of his father. He also established village Shernagar where he lived in his
later life and died.
Sayyid Munawwar Khan remained at the court after the departure of Sherzaman to the Deccan, and became close associate of Prince Dara Shikoh. During
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, p.541-550. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.467
2. Sa'adat-i Barha, p.359. 74 the war of succession in the battle of Samugarh
Sayyid Munawwar along with several other Barha
Sayyids was in the left wing-^ of Darashikoh's army.
However, after the defeat of Darashikoh Sayyid
Munawwar went over to Aurangzeb and with the help of his brother, who was already with the prince, was admitted in service, given the title of Khan and raised the rank of 1000/400.^
1. Alamgirnama, I, p.96. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.467
2. Waris, p.204 (a) . Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.467 75
7- SAYYID SHUJA'AT KHAN BARHA
Sayyid Shuja'at Khan was the son of Sayyid
Jahangir and grand son of Sayyid Mahmud Barha, who was one of the leading noble of Akbar's reign.
Shuja'at Khan joined imperial service during the reign of Jahangir. He was so close to Prince Khurram that he joined him during the latter's revolt against his father.
He parted company with the Prince, when he came to know that he had decided to proceed to Iran~ and came back to his hometown. Jahangir having came to know of his arrival, summoned him to court. He was immediately granted the mansab of 1000. The author of Sada' at-i Barha adds that he was also appointed faujdar of Nasik, but no other contemporary or near contemporary sources corroborates this information.
1. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.l3; Ma'asir-ul Uwara, vol.11, p.423; See 1st Chapter also Appendix E-ii, Family Chart
2. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.l3; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.423.
3. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.l3; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.424.
4. Ibid., vol.II, p.424.
5. Sada'at-i Barha, p.459. 76
However, it appears that he remained in the service of Jahangir's till his death in 1627. But after the accession of Shahjahan, Sayyid Shuja'at Khan lost imperial favour because of his earlier desertion from
Khurram's camp. Although no action was taken against him but apparently he was not granted mansab. Being ignored and humiliated, he left the court and came back to his native place and retired from active service.•'• However, Shuja'at Khan summoned to the court in 1632 and granted the mansab of 4000/2000.^
It appears that his services were utilised mainly in
the Deccan.
In 1634, he accompanied Prince Shuja in Parenda
campaign. The campaign dragged on due to the
haughtiness of Mahabat Khan and lack of co-operation
among leading officers such as Khan-i Dauran,
Muzaffar Khan Barha and Shuja'at Khan. On the other
hand the Deccanis had been making all out effo^rts to
1. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.l3; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.424.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt . I, pp.439-440; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.424. In Zakhirat-ul Khawanin (vol.Ill, p.13) His mansab was mentioned as 5000/5000.
3. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.II, p.40. 77
cut the supplies of the imperialists and starve them.
The imperialists became desperate specially with the
approach of rains. They wanted to postpone the
campaign and raise the siege. But because of the rude
behaviour of Mahabat Khan no commander was willing to
propose for the lifting the siege. Shuja'at Khan took
the initiative and boldly told Mahabat Khan,
"If you talk foolishly, you will be killed. The fact of the matter is that this year this expedition cannot be terminated. Due to the rainy season, the imperial army will have to face famine and scarcity. We can give you in writing. If you will put down in writing the date of finishing this business (i.e. the date of taking fort) . We will stand by you till it comes even to subsisting on corrion."
Though Mahabat Khan wished to demonstrate the
advantage of Staying on, but the Prince ordered to
raise the siege. Mahabat Khan lost his self control
and said to the Prince, "This victory was in your
highness's name was certain. At the words of these
Jumiati Sa'adat Barha Sayyids you are throwing away
the wining card for no reason' Ultimately Mahabat
9. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.424-425.
10. Lahauri furnishes detailed information regarding the siege of Parenda. See Badshahnama, vol.11, pp. 34-4 6; , ^^ Zakhira t-ul KhaJt/^a.^^ili^^f^i.'} l/Xl>y, pp . 13 - 14 . Ma'asir-ul Uinar^> vol .II, pVl'^^^ 78
Khan also agreed to the proposal and the Mughal
armies raised the siege.-'- In 1637, he was appointed
as governor of Allahabad and promoted to the rank of
4000/4000 (2500x2-3h).^ The suba of Allahabad was in
a state of turmoil but he bravely dealt with the
situation.
In 1642, Shuja'at Khan was replaced by Abdullah
Khan Feroz Jung as a governor of Allahabad. He was
assigned the Irij and Bhadner {Paragnas) as his
jagir. In the same year he was appointed to quell
the rebellion Bundellass but before he could
undertake this business, he died due to excessive
drinking. Sayyid Shuja'at Khan left behind two sons
named Sayyid Muzaffar^ and Sayyid Najabat who held
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, pt.I, p.2 74; Ma' asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.425-26.
2. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.307; Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.l5; Ma 'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.426.
3. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.426.
4. Lahauri's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.319; Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, p.l5; Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.426.
5. Lahauri's Badshahnama, vol.11, p.431.
6. Waris, 204(a) ; Ma' asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.427. 79
the ranks of 1500/1000 and 1000/500 respectively
during the reign of Shahj ahan. •'• Sayyid Shuja'at Khan was a man of many sided talents. He was an eloquent
speaker and dabbled in science as well. He was fond
of drinks and imitated the ways of the prince. He was
also known for his forthrightness both in manners and
in speech. This particular habits earned him
Shahjahan's despleasure. The Emperor always favoured
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan another Barha Sayyid, This
proved too much for Shuja'at Khan. He always abused
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan Barha. One day, the Emperor
asked him, "where does your lineage meet that of
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan Barha?" He replied "just on
Dhaurikhal of Agra meets the Yamuna".
1. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.427.
2. Zakhirat-ul Khawanin, vol.Ill, pp.14-15 Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, pp.426. 80
8- SAYYID ABDUL WAHAB (DILER KHAN)
Sayyid Abdul Wahab Diler Khan Barha was the brother of Sayyid Izzat Khan, who belonged to the
Tihanpuri branch of Sayyids. He was a native of village Kamarhata. His brother held the mansab of
1500/800 during the reign of Jahangir. In 1606, he was appointed kotwal of Gujarat and later on, he was
made faujdar of Baroda.
In 1618, when Jahangir was in Gujarat' he
promoted Sayyid Abdul Wahab to the mansab of 1000/500
along with other nobles. He was also given the title
of Diler Khan.^ Sayyid Diler Khan was in Gujarat at
the time of Jahangir's death. He was one of the first
noble of Gujarat who came forward and paid homage to
Emperor Shahjahan. He was granted the mansab of
4000/2500 and reassigned the fauj dari of Baroda.
Shortly afterwards he was allowed to go to Baroda.
In 1629, when the Emperor proceeded towards Deccan, -
Diler Khan also marched from Baroda and joined the
1. Tuzuk-i Jahangiri, pp.40-73.
2. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.412. For details See also Chapter I.
3. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt . I, p.120. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.413. 81
Emperor in the campaign. He was warmly received and promoted to the rank of 4000/3000. Thereafter, he was despatched alongwith Khwaja Abul Hasan to capture sangamnir.
In the same year a royal army was sent Deccan under the command of Azam Khan. Diler Khan also accompanied the imperial army. After the end of the campaign he was allowed to go back to his old assignment of Baroda. In 1633, he died at Baroda. "^
He left behind two sons named Sayyid Hasan and Sayyid
Khalil-ullah Khan. After Diler Khan's death, Sayyid
Hasan was granted the mansab of 500/250.'* In 1654, he was promoted to the rank of 1500/1500 and was appointed faujdari of sarkar Gurda in Gujarat.
During the war of succession Sayyid Hasan joined Prince Murad and fought against the imperial army in the battle of Dharmat and Samugarh. Murad also promoted him to the rank of 2000/2000. However,
1. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, pp.299-300
2. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.413.
3. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.I, p.493. Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.413.
4. Lahori's Badshahnama, vol.1, pt.II, p.323.
5. Waris, II, p.186(b). 82 when Aurangzeb treacherously arrested Murad, Sayyid
Hasan immediately wentover to Aurangzeb. He was given the title of Khan, and despatched to Gujarat. His other son Sayyid Khalil held the rank of 500/200^
However, we have practically no information about him in the reign of Shahjahan.
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, pp.139-140 Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.413
2. Ibid., vol.II, p.414. CHAPTER IV
ROLE OF BARHA SAYYIDS IN THE WAR OF SUCCESSION 83
The role of Barha Sayyids in the war of succession form an interesting study, and attempt has been made here to assess their role in this struggle for power. At the time of Shahjahan's illness in Sept
1657, his eldest son Darshikoh was at his bedside in
Agra, Shuja was governor in Bengal, Aurangzeb was viceroy in the Deccan and the youngest Murad was governor of Gujarat. In the closing weeks of 1657, when Shahjahan was on the way of recovery, Shuja crowned himself in Bengal, Murad did the same in
Gujarat and then formed an alliance with Aurangzeb.
At this stage, Barha Sayyids were divided into four camps. Sayyid Sher Khan Barha, Sayyid Salabat Khan
Barha Sayyid Salar Barha, Sayyid Masud Barha, Sayyid
Najabat Khan Barha, Sayyid Munwwar Barha and Sayyid
Nahar Khan Barha were in Darashikoh's camp. Sayyid
Sultan Barha and Sayyid Qasim Barha were holding the
charge of Banaras and Allahabad forts on behalf of
Darashikoh respectively.
Aurangzeb's camp consisted of Sayyid Sherzaman,
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan son of Shuja'at Khan, and Sayyid
1. Alarngirnama vol.1, pp. 65-126 and 207 Amal-i Saleh, vol.Ill, pp.459, 464. 84
Zafar and Sayyid Feroz Barha, Sayyid Mansur Barha
Sayyid Hasan Barha s/o Sayyid Shaikhan Barha were serving under Murad Bakshi Sayyid Alam Barha was with Shuja.
Prince Shuja crowned himself and assumed the title of Nasiruddin Timur III, without wasting any time he marched out at the head of a large army which included a corps of Barha Sayyids under Sayyid Alam
Barha. "^ At Bahadur Bahadurpur (five miles away from
Banaras) he was defeated by the imperial army commanded by Jai Singh and Diler Khan Rohela under an over-all charge of Darashikoh's Sulaiman Shikoh. In the meantime, Jaswant Singh had suffered a defeat at
Dharmat. As situation was critical, orders came from the court to come to term with Shuja and hasten back to court as early as possible. Therefore, Orissa,
Bengal and Mongheyr was given to Shuja.
In February, 1658 the forces of Murad Baksh joined Aurangzeb near Ujjain. The imperial forces
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, p.49. Muntakhab-ul Lubab, vol.11, pp.4 0-45
2. Alamgirnama,vol.1, p.13 9.
3. Ibid., vol.1, p.23 9.
4 .Ma'asir-ul Umara, vol.11, p.4 56. 85 despatched under the Command of Jaswant Singh and
Hasim Khan to contain the combined forces of Murad
Baksh and Aurangzeb failed to Pursue the Princes to return to their respective assignment. Ultimately a battle was fought at Dharmat in April, 1658. On the side of Aurangzeb Sayyid Sherzaman and Sayyid Mansur served under Muhammad Sultan who was incharge of artillery and Sayyid Sherkhan with his Barha retainers accompanied the imperial. Jaswant Singh was defeated because of lack of coordination in the imperial army. Aurangzeb and Murad Baksh achieved an important victory and rewarded to those officers who have shown loyalty and valour. Sayyid Sherzaman was given the title of Muzaffar Khan.
After the battle of Dharmat, Aurangzeb marched towards Agra and in the battle fought at Samugarh in
May 1658, Sayyid Muzaffar Khan, Sayyid Hasan, Sayyid
Mansur and other Barha Sayyid were in the vanguard of combined army led by Aurangzeb.'^ On the other hand,
Sayyid Sher Khan, Sayyid Munawwar, Sayyid Zafar,
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, pp.47-63.
2. Ibid., vol.1, p.65.
3. Ibid., vol.1, p.54.
4. Ibid., vol., pp.92-93. 86
Sayyid Nahar Khan, Sayyid Ismail Barha, Sayyid Fazil
Barha, and Sayyid Shaikhan were in the imperial army under the command of Darashikoh. A fierce battle
took place in which the imperial army under
Darashikoh was decisively defeated and Darashikoh
fled from the battle field. Sayyid Nahar Khan Sayyid
Ismail and Sayyid Fazil Barha were wounded the battle
field and Sayyid Shaikhan Barha was killed. After
the defeat of Darashikoh at Samugarh Sayyid Sher Khan
and Sayyid Munawwar deserted in Darashikoh and joined
Aurangzeb.
About the same time Aurangzeb despatched Khan-i
Dauran to replace Sayyid Qasim Barha, who was
holding the fort of Allahabad on behalf of
Darashikoh. Aurangzeb had directed Khan-i Dauran that
if Sayyid Qasim handed over the fort without offering
any resistance, he was to be concilliated and sent
immediately to the court.
After the imprisonment of Kurad Baksh in 1658,
Sayyid Feroz Barha, Sayyid Mansur Barha who were with
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, pp.96-107.
2. Ibid., vol.1, pp.104-107.
3. Ibid., vol.1, p.115.
4. Muntakhab-ul Lubab, vol.11, p.35. 87
Murad Baksh also came over to Aurangzeb and entered his service. They were confirmed in their previous ranks.
Free from the danger of Murad Baksh and strengthened by a large addition to his army,
Aurangzeb set out in pursuit of Darashikoh. But Dara
Shikoh was so frightened that he left Delhi without waiting for Sulaiman Shikoh and proceeded towards
Lahore. Aurangzeb captured Delhi without fighting and
again started in his pursuit. In the meantime
Darashikoh reached Lahore, but when he came to know
that Aurangzeb had crossed Bias, he fled to Multan.
Aurangzeb now pushed forward and reached Multan only
to know that Darashikoh had gone to Bhakkar. Now
Aurangzeb was convinced that Darashikoh position was
hopeless, and after appointing some troops to pursue
Darshikoh, he returned to Agra. In this whole
campaign Sayyid Munawwar, Sayyid Masud and Sayyid
Mansur along with their Barha retainers accompanied
Aurangzeb.
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, pp.13 9-140. Muntakhab-ul Lubab, vol.11, p.3 9
2. Alamgirnama, vol.1, pp.203-209. S8
Sulaiman Shikoh, son of Darashikoh who was deserted by many officers, was also wandering in search of a shelter. He was left with barely two hundred adherents including Sayyid Qasim Barha.
Shuja was the last serving contender to the throne of Delhi. Although he had been defeated at
Bahadurpur by Jaising but because of the defeat of
Darashikoh at Samugarh situation changed and Shuja was able to re-establish himself. Now after re-
equipping his army he marched forward to challenged
Aurangzeb at Khajwa near Allahabad. As mentioned
above Sayyid Qasim Barha qiledar of Allahabad and
Abdul Jalil Barha qiledar of Chunar had also joined
him on the instruction of Darashikoh.
The battle of Khajwa took place on Dec. 1658.
It is quite interesting to note that advance guard of
both the armies comprised of noted Barha Sayyid who
exhibited their traditional valour and fought with
great determination.-^ However, Aurangzeb's army
1. Alamgirnama, vol.1, p.170.
2. Ibid., vol.1, pp.239-240. Muntakhab-ul Lubab, vol.11, p. 46.
3. Sayyid Mansur, Sayyid Masud, Say^dd Jatar Barha Sayyid Sher Khan, Sayyid Zabardast, Sayyid Ali Akbar Barha, Yadgar Husain, Karamullah Barha, 89 defeated Shuja who fled towards Jahangirnagar
(Bengal). On reaching there Shuja began to collect both men and artillery. Prince Muhammad Sultan along with Muzaffar Khan, Sayyid Zafar and others was deputed in Pursuit of Shuja. He fought two or three severe battle and was defeated every time. Sayyid
Alam Barha along with other Barha Sayyids remained firm in loyalty and created hurdles against Muhammad
Sultan's army.-*- Ultimately, Shuja fled towards
Arccan along with Sayyid Alam Barha and ten other
Barha Sayyids.
From the above discussion it becomes quite clear that at the beginning of the v;ar of succession very few Barha Sayyids were in the camp of Aurangzeb.
But it was not because Aurangzeb was hostitle to them or Barha were more inclined towards the other
Princes. Actually the contending Princess were
Contd....
Sayyid Shams Barha, Sayyid Muzaffar Khan Barha, Sayyid Najabat Khan Barha were put under command of Muhammad Sultan and Sayyid Alam Barha, Sayyid Raji, Sayyid Qasim and Sayyid Jalil were in the vanguard of shuja army. See Alarngirnama vol.1, pp.235-246. Muntakhab-ul Lubab, vol.11, pp.48-55.
1. Alarngirnama, vol.1, pp.541-550.
2. Ibid., vol.1, p.561. Muntakhab-ul Lubab, vol.11, p.110. 90 commanding nobles who were posted with them by the
Mughal Emperor. It was just a matter of chance that only few Barha Sayyids were posted in the Deccan with
Aurangzeb. However, when Shahjahan ordered him to suspend the campaign against Adil Shah and send back immediately commanders to the court. Some Barha
Sayyids preferred to remain with Aurangzeb. The Barha
Sayyids fought bravely in battles at Bahadurpur (Jan.
1658), Dharmat (April 1658), Samugarh (May 1658) and
Khajwa (Dec. 1658), on both sides. But come over to
Aurangzeb when they were convinced of the success of
Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb who was eager to expand his support admitted them in his service without any resistance. They were not only confirmed in their previous ranks but promoted to higher ranks and
rewarded with drums of honour and horses. Their
services were utilised in important military
campaigns. The Barha as after going over to
Aurangzeb, on their part served him with loyalty and distinction. CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION 91
The Barha Sayyids were the first among Indian
Muslim who entered Mughal service during the regency of Bairam Khan even before the second battle of
Panipat (1556). Sayyid Mahmud Barha diserted Sikandar
Sur who was besieged at Mankot and entered the
service of Mughals. After that, Sayyid Mahmud Barha's
brothers and other kinsmen were also admitted. They
were given mansabs and their services were utilised
in almost al] important military campaigns. However,
none of them were appointed to any important offices.
Probably this might have been the result of the
Barha's being too clanish and not properly educated.
During the closing years of Akbar's reign,
their numerical strength in the Mughal nobility as
well as total mansab in their family declined. But it
was not because of any particular bias against them;
after the death of senior Barha nobles, their sons
were not given higher ranks and some of them were not
considered for the position of an amir. However,
during the accession crisis at the time of Akbar's
serious illness, the Barha Sayyids under Shaikh Farid
Bukhari openly supported Prince Salim and with their
1. See chapter I. 92 crucial help the prince ascended the throne. After his accession Barha Sayyids were specially favoured and again they served Mughal armies in all important campaigns. None of them were given governorships or even an important military campaign independently.
While Prince Khurram was posted in the Deccan, it appears some of the Barha Sayyids like Muzaffar Khan,
Sayyid Shuja'at Khan became very close to him and
during his rebellion, they remained loyal to him in
his period of crisis. Sayyid Shuja'at Khan no doubt
deserted him but only when he came to know that the
Prince had decided to go to Iran. It is also
interesting to note that those Barha nobles who were
with the imperial army at the court fought bravely
and loyally against the rebel Prince.
After the accession of Shahjahan, Barha Sayyids
were specially favoured for their support during the
rebellion. Even those Barha nobles who fought with
him in the battle of Bilochpur and thereafter were
1. Some other Barha Sayyids like Abdullah Barha, Sayyid Hazabr Barha, Sayyid Bayazid were also with Khurram in the Deccan. See chapter I.
2. For more details see Chapter I. 93 also favoured. Consequently, the numerical strength of Barha nobles considerably increased. For the first time, they were given very high ranks. Muzaffar Khan rose to rank of 6000/6000 and Sayyid Shuja'at Khan after being pardoned in 1632 was also granted the rank of 4000/4000. Muzaffar Khan and Sayyid Shuja'at
Khan became the most trusted nobles of Shahjahan. In almost all the important military campaigns against the rebels and in the Deccan and Balkh and Badakshan the Barhas rendered valuable service and held important position.-'- Shahjahan had so much trust on them that Barha Sayyids for the first time after about 70 years of Mughal services were given important offices. Muzaffar Khan and Sayyid Shuja'at
Khan were make made provincial governors and a number of them held the offices of faujdars, qiledars and
thanedars.
The war of succession among the sons of
Shahjahan clearly indicates that Barha nobles came to enjoy a very high position at the Mughal court.
Almost all contenders were eager to enlist the
1. For details see Chapter III,
2. For details see Appendix -D. 94 support of Barha Sayyids to their side; some Barha
Sayyids were in the service of all the four Princes.
They served their Princes loyally, but after the defeat of their patrons, they went over to Aurangzeb who welcomed them without any pre-condition. As a matter of fact the events of the war of succession show that Aurangzeb was anxious to get the support of as many Barha Sayyids as possible by giving them special favour. Inspite of the fact that Barha
Sayyids were very close to Shahjahan and enjoyed importants position at the Mughal court, a section of nobility still had doubts about their being genuine
Sayyids and ridiculed them as Jumrati Sayyids. APPENDICES 96
Appendix - B
Mansabs granted to Barha Sayyids during Jahangir'B reign
1. Sayyid Izzat Khan Barha 1000/800 Tuzuk, 246. 2. Sayyid Abdullah Barha 700/300 Tuzuk, 159 3. Ali Muhammad s/o Saif Khan Barha 300/400 Tuzuk, 159 4. Bahadur Khan s/o Saif Khan Barha 400/300 Tuzuk, 159 5. Sayyid Qasim Barha 1000/600 Tuzuk, 163
above 1000 to 2000
1. Sayyid Abdul Wahab (Diler) 2000/1200 Tuzuk, 3 66 2. Sayyid Bahadur 2000/1000 Tuzuk, 3. Sayyid Hazbar Khan Barha 1500/700 Tuzuk, 322 4. Sayyid Ali Barha 1500/1000 Tuzuk, 138 5. Sayyid Saif Khan Barha Tuzuk, 13 8 above 2000 to 3000
1. Saif Khan Barha 3000/1500 Tuzuk, 3 5
Sayyid Jamaluddin - 500 Ain C. MANSABS GRANTED TO BARHA SAYYIDS DURING SHAHJAHAN 97 Appendix C
Mansabs granted to Barha Sayyids during Shahjahan's reign
upto 1000 1. Sayyid Abdullah 600/400 Lahauri, 1, p.71-379 2. Sayyid Sulairaan S/o Qasim Barha 600/300 Lahauri, 1, pt.I, 32 0. 3. Sayyid Khadim Barha 1000/500 Lahauri, II, 232 4. Sayyid Mansur 1000/500 Waris, 247(a) 5. Sayyid Sherzaman 1000/250 Lahauri, II, 474 6. Sayyid Munawwar 1000/400 Waris 265(a) 7. Sayyid Shaikhan Barha 1000/900 Waris 156(b) s/o Diler Khan 8. Sayyid Muhammad s/o Afzal Barha 1000/600 Lahauri, 734 9. Sayyid Nurul Ayn s/o Saif Khan 1000/300 Ama-i Saleh, III, 469 10. Sayyid Salar Barha 1000/1000 Waris, 56(b) 11. S. Ali n/o Khan-i Jahan Barha 800/400 VJaris, 266(a) 12. Sayyid Najabat Khan 1000/500 Waris, 370 s/o Shuja'at Khan 13. Say-yid Shams-uddin 700/200 Waris, 268(a) s/o Jalal Barha 14. Sayyid Alawal s/o Kabir Barha 1000/700 Amal-i Suleh, III, 466 15. Sayyid Shah Ali Barha 900/500 Amal-i Suleh, III, 470 16. Sayyid Makhan 800/400 Amal-i Suleh, III, 470 17. Sayyid Zabardast Y-sian 800/400 Amal-i Suleh, III, 473 s/o Hazbar Khan 18. Sayyid Sher Muhammad Barha 500/150 Amal-i Suleh, III, 485 19. Sayyid Karamullah 500/100 Amal-i Suleh, III, 486 s/1 Khan-i Jahan 20. Sai'yid Alam b/o Salar Barha 500/100 Amal-i Suleh, III, 486 21. Sa^^-yid Qutub 500/100 Amal-i Suleh, III, 487 s/o Sayyid Magbool Barha
above 1000 to 2000
1. Sayyid Alam, Barha 2000/1000 Lahauri, II, 199 2 . Sayid Muzaf far 2000/1000 Amal-i Suleh, III, 244 s/o Shuja'at Khan Barha 3 . Say-yid Feroz 1500/1000 Lahauri, II, 4 74 n/o Khan-i Jahan Barha 4. Sayyid Hasan s/c ^ler Khan 1500/1500 V7aris, 262(b) 5. Sa>yid Salabat Khan 2000/1500 Waris 204(a) 98
above 2000 to 3000
1. Sa^^id Hizbar Khan Barha 3000/1000 Lahauri, I, Pt. 1, 183 above 3000 to 4000
1. Sayyid Diler Khan Barha 4000/3000 Lahauri, II, 484 2. Sayyid Shuja'at Khan Barha 4000/4000 Lahauri, II, 162 above 4000
1. Sayyid Muzaffar Khan 6000/6000 Lahauri, II, 235 D. OFFICES HELD BY BARHA SAYYIDS DURING THE REIGN OF SHAHJAHAN 99
Appendix - V
Offices held t>^' Barha Sayyids during the reign of Shah Jahan
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan Barha 16:B-29 Oiladar of Gwalior Lahauri, vol.1, Pt.I, p.24
Sayyid Muzaffar Khan Barha 1634-35 Subedar of Agra Lahauri, Vol. Pt.II, p.76.
Sayyid Mansur s/c Muzaffar Barha 1626-29 Dy Qiledar of Gwalior Oazvini, 170
Sayyid Diler Khan 1632-33 Faujdar of Barha Lahauri, vol.1, Pt.I, 448.
Sayyid Shuja'at Khan Barha 1637-38 Subedar of Allahabad Lahauri, vol.11, 201.
Sayyid Khaditr. Earha 1641-42 Faujdar of Mandsore Lahauri, vol.11, 232.
Sayyid Alar. Barha 1645-46 Karis of Gwalior Lahauri, vol.11, 474.
Sayyid Sherzarr.an 1647-46 Oiledar of Irak (Lahore Lahauri, vol.11, 736.
s c Muzaffar Khan Earha
Ciledar L Irak iLahcre' Lahauri, vcl .II, 737 .
. Sayyid Salar Earha 164°-5: Faujdar of Gwalior sA.C. W a r i ? , 5 6 \ b )
Faujdar of Gwalicr Karis, 56 jb)
Dy. Subedar of Punjab w a r i s , 1 C 3 s b ^
s c Eavazid
Faujdar of Tarad Karis, 156ib)
Faujdar of Gurda 1 6 C lb >
^a\"\'ic sna Faujdar of Mandscie A~al-i saieh. III, 272
^ a . a r; a:: f. n a r. t a i Subedar of Allahabad Karis, 24Cva} E. FAMILY CHARTS ^ipendix - E 100
(i) Family Chart of Muzaffar Khan Fhan-i Jahan
Branch - Tihhar^xiri ! SaNyid Jala (Mir Khan) I Saj-j-id UtraiTiar Savv-id KiT.za Sayyid Husain (Hasna) Sayyid Almad Sayyid Hasan I Sav^'id Yus-jf
Sa\'%'id Naseeruddin ] Sayi'id Abu i Sa\".~ld Arrad
Sa\yLd Yu=u: 1
id !-r_-^'---.-ar Khar. Sav-j-id Shei ZaTa;: Hia;
Jan Za-nan Khan
;>a"Aia v. 5 Sa-.-.id Aru Saeed Khan
Sayjdd M.ahraud Ali Knari Sayyid Nasr-ullah Khan Shani Sayyid Fateh Zafar 101
Family chart of Sayyid Shuja'at Khan Barha
Branch - Kundiwal
Sayyid Mahmud Barha
Sayyid Jahangir I Sayyid Shuja'at Khan Barha I Sayyid Muzaffar Sayyid
(iii) Family chart of Sayyid Qasim Barha
Branch - Chhatauri
Sayyid Haider Khan
Sayyid Akdas Ali
Roshan Ali Khan
Sayyid Masud Barha
Sayyid Qasim Barha
Taj Muhammad
(iv) Family chart of Sayyid Salabat Khan Barha
Branch Kundiwal
Sayyid Mahmud
Sayyid Hasim
Sayyid Bayazid 1 Sayyid Sultan BIBLIOGRAPHY 102 Contemporary Sources
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