Relations with Iran and the Question of Qandhar

Both the Mughals and the Safavids claimed Qandhar for strategic and economic reasons.
Qandhar was part of the Timurid empire, ruled by Babur’s cousins until the Uzbeks took it in 1507.
Strategically, it was vital for Kabul’s defense and a strong fort.
Qandhar controlled roads to Kabul and Herat, dominating southern Afghanistan.
Its strategic location and water supply made it crucial.

The Kabul-Ghazni-Qandhar line was a strategic frontier for the Mughals.
Beyond Kabul and the Khyber, there was no natural defense line, making Qandhar essential.
After the conquests of Sindh and Baluchistan, Qandhar’s importance increased.
It was a rich province and a trade hub between India and Central Asia.
The Central Asia-Multan route via Qandhar gained importance due to disturbances in Iran.

Qandhar came under Babur’s control in 1522.
Shah Tahmasp captured it after Humayun’s death.
Akbar didn't try to regain it until the Uzbeks threatened both Iran and the Mughals again.
The Mughal conquest in 1595 aimed to create a defense line against the Uzbeks.
By then, Khurasan was under Uzbek control, isolating Qandhar from Persia.

Shah Abbas I (ruled 1588-1629) maintained good relations with the Mughals despite the loss of Qandhar.
Embassies and gifts were exchanged between Shah Abbas and Jahangir.
Shah Abbas also established relations with the Deccan states, which Jahangir didn't oppose.
A court artist created a portrait of Jahangir and Shah Abbas embracing.
Cultural ties strengthened with Nur Jahan’s help.

In 1620, Shah Abbas I demanded Qandhar’s return and prepared for war, surprising Jahangir.
Relief efforts were undertaken, but Prince Shah Jahan made demands before marching.
Qandhar fell to the Persians in 1622.
Shah Abbas tried to smooth things over with an embassy.
Cordial Mughal-Iranian relations ended after this.

After Shah Abbas I’s death, Iran faced internal conflict.
Shah Jahan, after dealing with the Deccan, induced Ali Mardan Khan, the Persian governor, to defect in 1638.
Recapturing Qandhar re-established Mughal control.
Shah Jahan strengthened the frontier against threats from both Iran and the Uzbeks.
Mughal control over Qandhar remained vital.

Relations with Iran and the Question of Qandhar: A Strategic Struggle