Explore the history behind the extinction of Ahmadnagar and the acceptance of Mughal suzerainty by Bijapur and Golconda, highlighting the key events and figures involved.
Extinction of Ahmadnagar and Acceptance of Mughal Suzerainty by Bijapur and Golconda: Ascension of Shah Jahan and Initial Actions
Shah Jahan ascended the throne in 1628, bringing extensive experience and personal knowledge of the Deccan.
His first concern was to recover territories in the Deccan lost to the Nizam Shahi ruler, initially deputing Khan-i-Jahan Lodi for this task.
Khan-i-Jahan Lodi failed and subsequently rebelled, joining the Nizam Shahi forces.
Diplomatic and Military Strategy
Shah Jahan concluded that peace in the Deccan was impossible as long as Ahmadnagar remained independent.
He offered the Bijapur ruler a portion of Ahmadnagar in exchange for cooperation against Ahmadnagar.
This diplomatic strategy aimed to isolate Ahmadnagar both diplomatically and militarily.
Initial Successes and Challenges
Shah Jahan's strategy initially succeeded, gaining support from Bijapur and some Maratha sardars.
In 1629, large Mughal armies were deployed against Ahmadnagar, with the emperor himself coordinating from Burhanpur.
Despite early advances, Bijapur eventually switched sides, aiding Ahmadnagar and forcing the Mughals to retreat temporarily.
Betrayal and Final Conquest
Fath Khan, the son of Malik Ambar, betrayed the Nizam Shahi ruler, leading to the fall of Ahmadnagar in 1632.
Shah Jahan appointed Mahabat Khan as the Mughal viceroy of the Deccan, but faced continued resistance from Bijapur and local nobles.
By 1633, Daulatabad fort surrendered to the Mughals, marking the end of the Nizam Shahi dynasty.
Treaties and Mughal Suzerainty
Shah Jahan's policies of diplomacy and military pressure led to treaties with Bijapur and Golconda in 1636.
These treaties established Mughal suzerainty over the Deccan, with Bijapur and Golconda accepting Mughal protection and paying tributes.
The treaties enabled the Deccani states to expand southwards, but rapid expansion weakened their internal cohesion.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Deccani states' rapid expansion led to internal conflicts and ambitions among nobles like Shahji and his son Shivaji.
By 1656, following Muhammad Adil Shah's death and Aurangzeb's arrival as Mughal viceroy, the balance of power shifted again in the Deccan.
These developments set the stage for future conflicts and the eventual rise of the Marathas under Shivaji.
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