The Emperor Akbar had subjected to his rule the whole wide expanse of Hindústán, with the exception of a portion of the Dakhin, the rulers of which had, nevertheless, sent in former years representatives and presents to the Imperial throne. But some of these rulers had since failed in duly discharging their obligations, and had thus wounded the pride of the Emperor. Prince Sháh Murád, Khán-khánán, and other amírs had been sent to effect the conquest of the country. The Prince went to that country, and distinguished himself by his services. Other amírs were afterwards sent, who fought bravely, and subjugated a considerable portion of the country. The work of conquest was still progressing, when it entered the heart of Prince Salím* that he would proceed thither to support the amírs, and to accomplish the reduction of the remainder of the country, so that diversities of religion might be swept away, and that the whole country might repose in peace under the Imperial rule. For five or six years the conquest had been retarded by the bickerings of the amírs, and so he resolved to proceed from Lahore to the Imperial presence at Ágra, there to obtain information of the true state of affairs, because that place was nearer to the scene of action; and after due consultation, to proceed thither in person should it seem necessary.
When intelligence arrived of the death of Prince Sháh Murád,
Prince Dániyál was sent thither; but the Emperor not feeling
at ease upon the state of affairs in the Dakhin, resolved to proceed
in that direction, by making a hunting excursion to
Málwa. His intention was to send a strong reinforcement to
Prince Dániyál, under Bahádur, son of Rájá 'Alí of Khán-
Rájá 'Alí of Khándesh had been slain fighting bravely under Khán-khánán against the Dakhinís, and it was expected that his son would now come forward to give his services to the Imperial army, in the hope of revenging his father's fall, and of gaining the Imperial favour. Even while the Emperor was encamped at Ujjain, some intimation was received about his intentions, and he now sent an envoy to the Emperor, charged with many excuses and foolish evasions. Hereupon His Majesty, in his great kindness, sent Mírán Sadr-i Jahán, to Khándesh, to ascertain the exact state of affairs, and to remove any doubts which might have crept into the mind of Bahádur Khán.
The ambassador proceeded to Khándesh, and ascertained that when Bahádur Khán succeeded Rájá 'Alí Khán, he was a prisoner in the fort of Ásír. For it was the established custom among the rulers of Khándesh, that the reigning potentate kept his sons, brothers, and other relations in confinement, to guard against attempts upon the throne; so these unhappy persons, with their wives and families, passed all their lives in confinement. Bahádur Khán had passed nearly thirty years in prison, and knew nothing whatever of the ways of the world, and the business of government. When he came out of prison, and the title of ruler devolved upon him, he plunged recklessly into dissipation. No trace of the tact and nobility which had distinguished Rájá 'Alí Khán was to be found in him. Unmindful of his obligations and obedience to the Imperial throne, he showed no gratitude and sent no tribute; nor did his craven spirit entertain one thought of avenging his father. When this became known to the Emperor, he remembered the loyalty and devotion of the late Rájá, and sent Mírán Sadr-i Jahán to give good counsel to the young Prince.