adhesion to the two younger princes would
have greatly increased their strength and influence. Shaista Khan had served with Aurangzib
in the Golkonda and Bijapur wars and there was
a brisk and friendly correspondence between the
two. Murad had even planned to dash into
Malwa, seize Shaista Khan, and force him to join his side! So Shaista Khan was recalled to the capital, where he secretly served Aurangzib's cause.[1] Qasim Khan was induced to accept the command of the second army by being created
governor of Guzerat in the place of Murad.
While giving leave to the three armies sent from Agra, Shah Jahan had besought their generals to spare the lives of his younger sons, to try at first to send them back to their provinces by fair words if possible, otherwise by a demonstration of force, and not, except in extreme need, to resort to a deadly battle.[2]
In January 1658, the news of further developments reached Agra. Aurangzib openly defies the Imperial authority. Aurangzib had arrested Mir Jumla, who was coming to Delhi in obedience to Imperial orders, and seized his property, troops, and
