Rise of Malik Ambar and Frustration of Mughal. Attempt at Consolidation. Formation of Murtaza Nizam Shah II. Consolidation and Conflict. Continued Resistance and Decline. Administrative Reforms

Attempt at Consolidation: A Challenge to Mughal Power

• After Ahmadnagar's fall, the state was expected to disintegrate.
• However, Malik Ambar, an Abyssinian, prevented this.
• His early life is unclear, but he rose in service under Changez Khan.
• During the Mughal invasion, he initially went to Bijapur but returned to oppose Chand Bibi.

Formation of Murtaza Nizam Shah II: A New Power Dynamic

• Malik Ambar established Murtaza Nizam Shah II as ruler, with himself as Peshwa.
• He gathered Maratha troopers, skilled in guerrilla warfare.
• Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan defeated Ambar in 1601 but allied with him.
• After Akbar's death, Ambar expelled the Mughals from Berar, Balaghat, and Ahmadnagar.
• His alliance with Bijapur strengthened his resistance.

Consolidation and Conflict: Shifting Alliances and Battles

• Ambar forced Khan-i-Khanan to retreat by 1610.
• Prince Parvez failed to counter Ambar, leading to a humiliating peace treaty for the Mughals.
• Ambar's arrogance alienated allies, leading to a Mughal resurgence under Khan-i-Khanan and Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan).
• In 1616, the Mughals defeated the combined forces of Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda.
• Jahangir aimed for stability rather than expansion.

Continued Resistance and Decline: A Legacy of Maratha Resistance

• Ambar continued resistance but submitted in 1618.
• Jahangir favored alliances over expansion.
• Ambar was defeated again in 1620, losing territory.
• Internal rivalries weakened the Deccani states.
• Ambar died in 1626.

Administrative Reforms: Strengthening the Nizam Shahi State

• Malik Ambar introduced Todar Mal’s revenue system.
• His reforms improved revenue collection.
• He recovered territories during Prince Khurram's rebellion.
• Conflicts with the Mughals eventually led to the end of Ahmadnagar as an independent state under Shah Jahan.