Relations with Iran and the Question of Qandhar. Importance of Qandhar. Strategic and Economic Importance. Early Control and Conquests. Relations Under Shah Abbas I. Loss and Regain of Qandhar. Aftermath and Shah Jahan's Actions.
The possession of Qandhar was claimed by both the Mughals and the Safavids on strategic and economic grounds.
Qandhar had been a part of the Timurid empire and was ruled by Babur’s cousins until they were ousted by the Uzbeks in 1507.
Strategically, Qandhar was vital for the defense of Kabul and was considered one of the strongest forts in the region.
Qandhar was situated at the junction of roads leading to Kabul and Herat, dominating southern Afghanistan.
The fort was well-provided with water and occupied a position of immense strategic importance.
Strategic and Economic Importance
The Kabul-Ghazni-Qandhar line represented a strategic and logical frontier for the Mughals.
Beyond Kabul and Khyber, there was no natural line of defense, making Qandhar crucial.
After the conquest of Sindh and Baluchistan by Akbar, the strategic and economic importance of Qandhar increased.
Qandhar was a rich and fertile province and a hub for the movement of men and goods between India and Central Asia.
The trade route from Central Asia to Multan via Qandhar gained importance due to frequent disturbances in roads across Iran.
Early Control and Conquests
Qandhar came under Babur’s control in 1522 when the Uzbeks threatened Khurasan again.
Shah Tahmasp captured Qandhar after Humayun’s death, taking advantage of the confusion.
Akbar made no effort to regain Qandhar until the Uzbeks posed a renewed threat to both Iran and the Mughals.
The Mughal conquest of Qandhar in 1595 aimed to establish a defensive line against possible Uzbek invasion.
By that time, Khurasan had passed under Uzbek control, cutting off Qandhar from Persia.
Relations Under Shah Abbas I
Shah Abbas I (ruled 1588-1629) sought to maintain good relations with the Mughals despite the conquest of Qandhar.
There was a regular exchange of embassies and costly gifts between Shah Abbas and Jahangir.
Shah Abbas also established close diplomatic and commercial relations with the Deccan states, which Jahangir did not object to.
A court artist depicted an imaginary portrait of Jahangir and Shah Abbas embracing each other with a globe beneath their feet.
Culturally, the two countries came even closer during this period with the active help of Nur Jahan.
Loss and Regain of Qandhar
In 1620, Shah Abbas I requested the restoration of Qandhar and prepared for an attack, taking Jahangir by surprise.
Hasty preparations for the relief of Qandhar were undertaken, but Prince Shah Jahan put forward impossible demands before marching.
As a result, Qandhar passed into the hands of the Persians in 1622.
Shah Abbas tried to erase the bitterness over the loss of Qandhar by sending a lavish embassy to Jahangir with facile explanations.
Despite the efforts, the cordial relations between the Mughals and Iran came to an end after the loss of Qandhar.
Aftermath and Shah Jahan's Actions
After the death of Shah Abbas I in 1629, Iran experienced disturbances and internal conflicts.
Taking advantage of these disturbances, and after resolving issues in the Deccan, Shah Jahan induced Ali Mardan Khan, the Persian governor of Qandhar, to defect to the Mughal side in 1638.
The recapture of Qandhar was significant for re-establishing Mughal control over the strategic region.
Shah Jahan's efforts ensured a strengthened defensive frontier against potential threats from both Iran and the Uzbeks.
The Mughal hold on Qandhar remained a crucial aspect of their strategic and economic policies in the region.
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