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{{short description|Mughal general}}
{{short description|Mughal General and Mir Bakshi of the Mughal Empire}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{more footnotes|date=October 2017}}
{{more footnotes|date=October 2017}}
{{refimprove|date=October 2017}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2017}}
}}
'''Shahbaz Khan Kamboh''' (1529 – 11 November 1599) was one of the generals of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] [[Emperor Akbar]].<ref>Discovery of Pakistan: By A. Aziz. [2d Rev. Ed.], 1964, p 71, Abdul Aziz - Pakistan.</ref><ref>Islamic Thought and Movements in the Subcontinent, 711-1947, 1979, p 278, Syed Moinul Haq.</ref> He participated in some of the most difficult expeditions of Akbar and annexed numerous territories to the empire. He was too orthodox a [[Sunni]] [[Muslim]] for Akbar's taste, but not only was he tolerated but also was greatly valued.<ref>Advanced History of Medieval India, 1995, p 376, S.R. Bakshi.</ref>
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix =
| name = Shahbaz Khan Kamboh
| honorific_suffix =
| image = Shahbaz Khan Kambo smoking huqqa,.jpg
| image_upright =
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software -->
| caption = An early-18th century [[Mughal painting]] of Shahbaz Khan, seated on a terrace and smoking a [[huqqa]] with a globular bowl apparently made of gold.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Pinder-Wilson |first=Ralph |date=1962 |title=A Glass Huqqa Bowl |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4422751 |journal=The British Museum Quarterly |volume=25 |issue=3/4 |pages=91–94 |doi=10.2307/4422751 |issn=0007-151X}}</ref>
| native_name = شاهباز خان کمبوه
| native_name_lang = fa
| pronunciation =
| office = 5th [[Subahdar]] of [[Bengal Subah|Bengal]]
| monarch = [[Akbar]]
| term_start = 1583
| term_end = 1585
| term_start1 = November 1586
| term_end1 = 1588
| predecessor = [[Mirza Aziz Koka|Azam Khan I]]
| successor = Sadiq Khan
| predecessor1 = Sadiq Khan
| successor1 = Sa'id Khan
| birth_name = Shahrullah Kamboh Ibn Jumla
| birth_date = 1529
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| death_place = [[Ajmer]], [[Mughal Empire]]
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'''Shahrullah Kamboh''' ({{langx|fa|شهرالله کمبوه}}; 1529 – 11 November 1599), better known as '''Shahbaz Khan Kamboh''' ({{langx|fa|شاهباز خان کمبوه}}), was a [[Punjabi Muslims|Punjabi Muslim]] and one of the leading generals of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal emperor]] [[Akbar]].<ref>{{cite book |quote=Shahbaz Khan Kambo, Akbar's leading noble commanders |title= The Princes of the Mughal Empire, 1504–1719 |author=Munis D. Faruqui |date=2012 |page=194 }}</ref><ref>Discovery of Pakistan: By A. Aziz. [2d Rev. Ed.], 1964, p 71, Abdul Aziz – Pakistan.</ref><ref>Islamic Thought and Movements in the Subcontinent, 711–1947, 1979, p 278, Syed Moinul Haq.</ref> He participated in some of the most difficult expeditions of Akbar and annexed numerous territories to the empire. The Mughal officials boasted that he conquered countries ten times the size of [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Eaton |first=Richard M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cGd2huLXEVYC&dq=%22Do+you+imagine+that+the+crows+and+kites%22&pg=PA113 |title=A Social History of the Deccan, 1300–1761: Eight Indian Lives |date=2005-11-17 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-25484-7 |language=en}}</ref> He was too orthodox a [[Sunni]] [[Muslim]] for Akbar's taste, but not only was he tolerated but also was greatly valued.<ref>Advanced History of Medieval India, 1995, p 376, S.R. Bakshi.</ref> He was named "Mang Khan" (Urdu: منگ خان) by the people of Lahore meaning "ask the Khan and it will be done" In Punjabi due to his legendary generosity.<ref name=":0" /> The very first 'guzar' in Lahore Fort was named Guzar Shahbaz Khan (Persian: گزر شاھباز خان) known locally as Guzar Mang Khan (Urdu: گزر منگ خان).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Sheikh|first=Majid|date=2016-10-02|title=The 'guzar' named after great Kamboh general|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1287407|access-date=2021-03-22|website=DAWN.com|language=en}}</ref>


==Early life and family background==
==Early life and family background==
Shahbaz Khan had entered [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] service during Akbar's time. The Emperor was very much impressed by his sagacity and sharpness of intellect at the very first sight and soon elevated him to the rank of ''Mir Tozak'' (Quarter-Master General) and later to an ''Amir'' (Minister). Shahbaz Khan was very capable officer and a brave soldier and had rendered meritorious service to the Mughal empire in various capacities.<ref>Encyclopaedic Survey of Islamic Culture, 1997, p 112, Mohamed Taher.</ref> From a mansab of 100, he rapidly rose the number to 5000. As a Governor of [[Bengal]], when operating in Brahmputra, Shahbaz Khan had commanded 9000 strong [[cavalry]].
Born as Shahrullah in [[Lahore]], he belonged to the [[Punjabi Muslims|Punjabi]] [[Kamboh]] clan and was the sixth-generation descendant of Haji Ismail Kamboh, a disciple of [[Bahauddin Zakariya]].<ref>{{cite Banglapedia|article=Shahbaz Khan|author=Chisti, AA Sheikh Md Asrarul Hoque}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=Parvati |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S1W_EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA208 |title=A Lamp for the Dark World: Akbar, India's Greatest Mughal |date=2023-05-15 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-5381-7790-7 |pages=208 |language=en}}</ref> He had entered [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] service during Akbar's time. The Emperor was very much impressed by his sagacity and sharpness of intellect at the very first sight and soon elevated him to the rank of ''Mir Tozak'' (Quarter-Master General) and later to an ''Amir'' (Minister). He was a very capable officer, a brave soldier and had rendered meritorious service to the Mughal empire in various capacities.<ref name="Islamic Culture 1997, p 112">Encyclopaedic Survey of Islamic Culture, 1997, p 112, Mohamed Taher.</ref> From a mansab of 100, he rapidly rose the number to 5000. As a [[Subahdar|Governor]] of [[Bengal Subah|Bengal]], when operating in [[Brahmaputra River|Brahmaputra]], he had commanded 9000 strong [[cavalry]].


He was an all-rounder officer and besides his [[military]] duties, he also helped Akbar in civil administration and financial matters. He became a very close confidant, a companion, a ''Mir Bakhshi'' (head of the military department, holding the rank of imperial minister) and a ''Vakil'' (Chief Administrator or [[Prime Minister]]) of [[Akbar]] and had acquired and exercised great powers. In 1581, when Emperor [[Akbar]] marched against Mirza Hakim to the Punjab, Shahbaz Khan came to Fatehpur and for about ten months, he took in his hands the reins of state administration in the absence of the Emperor.<ref>Proceedings - Indian History Congress, 1976, p 191, Indian History Congress - History; Journal of Indian History, 1976, p 372, University of Kerala Dept. of History, University of Allahabad Dept. of Modern Indian History, University of Travancore, University of Kerala.</ref>
He was an all-rounder officer and besides his [[military]] duties, he also helped Akbar in civil administration and financial matters. He became a very close confidant, a companion, a ''[[Mir Bakhshi]]'' (head of the military department, holding the rank of imperial minister) and a ''[[Vakil of the Mughal Empire|Vakil]]'' (Chief Administrator or [[Prime Minister]]) of [[Akbar]] and had acquired and exercised great powers. He was given the name ''Shahbaz Khan'' at this point. In 1581, when Emperor [[Akbar]] marched against Mirza Hakim to the Punjab, Shahbaz Khan came to Fatehpur and for about ten months, he took in his hands the reins of state administration in the absence of the Emperor.<ref>Proceedings – Indian History Congress, 1976, p 191, Indian History Congress – History; Journal of Indian History, 1976, p 372, University of Kerala Dept. of History, University of Allahabad Dept. of Modern Indian History, University of Travancore, University of Kerala.</ref>


==As a General==
==Mir Bakshi of the Mughals==
In 1572, General Lashkar Khan entered the royal court in a drunken state and challenged anybody to come and fight with him. His rowdy and blatant behavior annoyed His Majesty so much that he was ordered to be arrested, tied to the tail of a horse and dragged and finally thrown into the prison.{{citation needed|date=May 2011}} He was replaced with Shahbaz Khan whom the emperor made his ''Mir Bakshi'' (Paymaster-General). The title of ''Shahbaz Khan'' was also conferred on him.
In 1572, General Lashkar Khan entered the royal court in a drunken state and challenged anybody to come and fight with him. His rowdy and blatant behavior annoyed His Majesty so much that he was ordered to be arrested, tied to the tail of a horse and dragged and finally thrown into the prison.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mukhia |first=Harbans |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rxHTBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA98 |title=The Mughals of India |date=2008-04-15 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-470-75815-1 |pages=98 |language=en}}</ref> He was replaced with Shahbaz Khan whom the emperor made his ''[[Mir Bakhshi]]'' (Paymaster-General). The title of ''Shahbaz Khan'' was also conferred on him.


===Introducing Dagh-o-Mahali===
===Introducing Dagh-o-Mahali===
As soon as Shahbaz Khan became Mir Bakshi, he introduced the ''Dagh-o-Mahali'' (a branding system) which had considerably cut down the over-heads as well as the corruption prevalent in the military departments of the kingdom. The system had been earlier in vogue during [[Alauddin Khalji]] as well as [[Sher Shah Suri]] but was discontinued during Mughal rule and was replaced with fief system which came to be badly misused by the Amirs and the officers. Under this system, the country was divided into numerous fiefs which were distributed among the Amirs. Unfortunately, they had become greedy, corrupt and oppressive and often also rebellious. Major part of the revenue was misappropriated by the fief-holders for personal use. Shahbaz Khan changed the system and handled the branding system with such a skill and competency that not only it ended the rampant corruption but also improved discipline in the military and reduced needless financial burden on the imperial treasury. But the new system had earned Shahbaz Khan the hatred of the nobles like [[Mirza Aziz Koka]] <ref>(Akbar the Great, 1962, p 357, Ashirbadi Lal Srivastava).</ref> He severely criticized the new system.<ref>Medieval India, 1969, p 50, Aligarh Muslim University Dept. of History. Centre of Advanced Study.</ref>
As soon as Shahbaz Khan became Mir Bakshi, he introduced the ''Dagh-o-Mahali'' (a branding system) which had considerably cut down the over-heads as well as the corruption prevalent in the military departments of the kingdom. The system had been earlier in vogue during [[Alauddin Khalji]] as well as [[Sher Shah Suri]] but was discontinued during Mughal rule and was replaced with fief system which came to be badly misused by the Amirs and the officers. Under this system, the country was divided into numerous fiefs which were distributed among the Amirs. Unfortunately, they had become greedy, corrupt and oppressive and often also rebellious. Major part of the revenue was misappropriated by the fief-holders for personal use. Shahbaz Khan changed the system and handled the branding system with such a skill and competency that not only it ended the rampant corruption but also improved discipline in the military and reduced needless financial burden on the imperial treasury. But the new system had earned Shahbaz Khan the hatred of the nobles like [[Mirza Aziz Koka]]<ref>(Akbar the Great, 1962, p 357, Ashirbadi Lal Srivastava).</ref> He severely criticized the new system.<ref>Medieval India, 1969, p 50, Aligarh Muslim University Dept. of History. Centre of Advanced Study.</ref>


===Battle against Arab Bahadur===
===Battle against Arab Bahadur===
Line 21: Line 109:
Bahadhur Khan-i-Shaibani and his brother Khan Zaman-i-Shaibani were Amir Viziers in the court of Akbar and both were holding big Jagirs, but as luck would have it, they rebelled against the emperor. With the help of Shahbaz Khan, Akbar crushed the rebellion with an iron hand. General Khan Zaman-i-Shaibani was killed in the battle but Bahadhur Khan was executed by Shahbaz Khan and Rai Bansi Das Kamboh on orders of the emperor.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
Bahadhur Khan-i-Shaibani and his brother Khan Zaman-i-Shaibani were Amir Viziers in the court of Akbar and both were holding big Jagirs, but as luck would have it, they rebelled against the emperor. With the help of Shahbaz Khan, Akbar crushed the rebellion with an iron hand. General Khan Zaman-i-Shaibani was killed in the battle but Bahadhur Khan was executed by Shahbaz Khan and Rai Bansi Das Kamboh on orders of the emperor.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}


===Campaigns against Mewar===
==As Governor of Bengal==
{{Main|Shahbaz khan's invasions of mewar}}
On 18 May 1583, Shahbaz Khan was appointed Governor of [[Bengal]]. Initially, he had commanded 5000 cavalry and had distinguished himself greatly in [[Bengal]], but later when operating in [[Brahmputra]], he had commanded 9000 strong cavalry.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}
He led multiple invasions that resulted in the subjugation of key areas in [[Mewar]], such as [[Kumbhalgarh]], [[Mandalgarh]], [[Gogunda]], and Central [[Mewar]], bringing them permanently under [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] rule. The Mughal Empire established its supremacy in [[Mewar]] after Shahbaz Khan's invasions. This ultimately led to a significant weakening of [[Maharana Pratap]]'s power, forcing him to retreat to his hilly abode.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=G. N. |url=http://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.10571 |title=Mewar and the mughal emperors |date=1954 |publisher=Shiva Lal Agarwala & Co |pages=113}}</ref>

==As Subahdar of Bengal==
On 18 May 1583, Shahbaz Khan was appointed [[Subahdar]] of [[Bengal]] and took the title Mir Jumla. Initially, he had commanded 5000 cavalry and had distinguished himself greatly in [[Bengal]], but later when operating in [[Brahmputra]], he had commanded 9000 strong cavalry.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}


Tarsun Khan was engaged in war against Masum Khan. Shahbaz Khan's forces invested [[Dinajpur]] and Masum Khan was thus besieged in [[Dinajpur]]. The combined forces of Shahbaz Khan and Tarsun Khan attacked Masum Khan on November 15, 1583, but the latter fled to [[Bhati (region)|Bhati]] while Jabbari, an ally of Masum Khan, fled to [[Cooch Behar State|Koch Bihar]]. Masum Khan got refuge with [[Isa Khan]] at Bhati.
Tarsun Khan was engaged in war against Masum Khan. Shahbaz Khan's forces invested [[Dinajpur]] and Masum Khan was thus besieged in [[Dinajpur]]. The combined forces of Shahbaz Khan and Tarsun Khan attacked Masum Khan on November 15, 1583, but the latter fled to [[Bhati (region)|Bhati]] while Jabbari, an ally of Masum Khan, fled to [[Cooch Behar State|Koch Bihar]]. Masum Khan got refuge with [[Isa Khan]] at Bhati.
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==As an administrator==
==As an administrator==
[[File:Miniature painting of Shahbaz Khan Kamboh, general of Mughal emperor Akbar.webp|thumb|Miniature painting of Shahbaz Khan Kamboh]]
Historian Abu-L-Fazl Alami, the author of ''Aiana-i-Akbari'', attests that Shahbaz Khan was a very competent and capable General but Abu-L-Fazal also accuses him for his bigoted ''Sunni'' views and arrogance. Many a times, he strongly opposed the emperor, but Akbar had a great regard for Shahbaz Khan and took it lightly.
Historian Abu-L-Fazl Alami, the author of ''Aiana-i-Akbari'', attests that Shahbaz Khan was a very competent and capable General but Abu-L-Fazal also accuses him for his bigoted ''Sunni'' views and arrogance. Many a times, he strongly opposed the emperor, but Akbar had a great regard for Shahbaz Khan and took it lightly.


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==As a religious man==
==As a religious man==
Shabaz Khan belonged the family whose ancestors were all celebrated for piety, asceticism and religiosity. Shahbaz Khan in early part of his life was celebrated for his religiosity till he first became deputy Kotwal of the Chabutara when he displayed his awareness of the (affairs of the) kingdom and judicious disposal of matters. Afterwards, he became Kotwal and became a favorite of Emperor Akbar.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}} He was a capable officer and brave fighter and had rendered meritorious service to the state in various capacities. A leading courtier of Akbar, he was strict follower of the law of Shari’ah and profusely recited blessings on [[Muhammad]] and distributed large sum of money in charities.<ref>Encyclopaedic Survey of Islamic Culture, 1997, p 112, Mohamed Taher.</ref> Every Friday, he would donate one hundred Asharfis (gold coins) in memory of [[Abdul-Qadir Gilani]].
Shabaz Khan belonged the family whose ancestors were all celebrated for piety, asceticism and religiosity. Shahbaz Khan in early part of his life was celebrated for his religiosity till he first became deputy Kotwal of the Chabutara when he displayed his awareness of the (affairs of the) kingdom and judicious disposal of matters. Afterwards, he became Kotwal and became a favorite of Emperor Akbar.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}} He was a capable officer and brave fighter and had rendered meritorious service to the state in various capacities. A leading courtier of Akbar, he was strict follower of the law of Shari’ah and profusely recited blessings on [[Muhammad]] and distributed large sum of money in charities.<ref name="Islamic Culture 1997, p 112"/> Every Friday, he would donate one hundred Asharfis (gold coins) in memory of [[Abdul-Qadir Gilani]].


Shahbaz Khan himself was deeply religious and pious man. He did not put on dress outside the sanction of simna (i.e. which had no sanction of Muhammad's action). He always carried a rosary in his hand, reciting all the while invocations of God's salutations on Muhammad and between the evening and sunset prayers, he would sit down facing west (qibla) and offering nimaz. He did not follow other Khans as long as he was alive in shaving off his beard and drinking wine and did not have (the word) Murid on his signet. He remained steadfast in the religion of [[Islam]] and left his name in the world of generosity and religiosity.<ref>Road to Pakistan: A Comprehensive History of the Pakistan Movement, 1947, edition 1990, p 187,Hakim Mohammad Said - Muslims.</ref>
Shahbaz Khan himself was deeply religious and pious man. He did not put on dress outside the sanction of simna (i.e. which had no sanction of Muhammad's action). He always carried a rosary in his hand, reciting all the while invocations of God's salutations on Muhammad and between the evening and sunset prayers, he would sit down facing west (qibla) and offering nimaz. He did not follow other Khans as long as he was alive in shaving off his beard and drinking wine and did not have (the word) Murid on his signet. He remained steadfast in the religion of [[Islam]] and left his name in the world of generosity and religiosity.<ref>Road to Pakistan: A Comprehensive History of the Pakistan Movement, 1947, edition 1990, p 187,Hakim Mohammad Said - Muslims.</ref>


Emperor Akbar tried his best to bring General Shahbaz Khan and another General Qutb-ud-din Muhammad Khan Koka into his new faith known as ''Din-i-Ilahi'' but the move was strongly criticized by both of them.<ref>Muslim Civilizatiuon in India, New York, Columbia University Press, 1964 , XII. Religion at Akbar's Court, [[S. M. Ikram]], (Ed) [[Ainslie T. Embree]].</ref> This, according to Abu-L-Fazl had created obstacles in his promotion upwards. On the other hand, many incompetent and junior officers got promoted which they did never deserve.
Emperor Akbar tried his best to bring General Shahbaz Khan and another General Qutb-ud-din Muhammad Khan Koka into his new faith known as ''Din-i-Ilahi'' but the move was strongly criticized by both of them.<ref>Muslim Civilizatiuon in India, New York, Columbia University Press, 1964 , XII. Religion at Akbar's Court, [[S. M. Ikram]], (Ed) [[Ainslie T. Embree]].</ref> This, according to Abu-L-Fazl had created obstacles in his promotion upwards. On the other hand, many incompetent and junior officers got promoted which they did never deserve.

==Guzar Shahbaz Khan==
During the reign of The Mughal emperor Akbar the newly-constructed brick-walled city of Lahore was divided into nine ‘guzars’. The very first was named Guzar Shahbaz Khan ([[Persian language|Persian]]: گزر شہباز خان), which area was popularly known among the people of the city as Guzar Mang Khan (Punjabi: گزر منگ خان). The word ‘mang’ (Punjabi: منگ) comes from the Punjabi expression meaning ‘ask, and it will be done’.<ref name=":0" /> Due to his legendary generosity, almost making the people of Lahore and the surrounding areas think that he had unlimited wealth. For this reason he was termed Mang Khan (Punjabi: منگ خان), or ‘ask the Khan and it will be done’.<ref name=":0" />

The guzar constitutes the entire area surrounding the Lahore Fort comprising the present Badshahi Mosque, including Taxali to the middle of Masti and Kashmiri gates, designed like a military arc to protect the emperor and his fort.<ref name=":0" /> it is ascribed that building of the Lahore Fort and the walled city by Mughal Emperor Akbar was a military suggestion of Shahbaz Khan. The free labour available during the four year long Great Lahore Famine, that lived off the free kitchens, was utilised in the construction.<ref name=":0" />


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:1599 deaths]]
[[Category:1599 deaths]]
[[Category:Mughal generals]]
[[Category:Mughal generals]]
[[Category:Medieval India]]
[[Category:16th-century soldiers]]
[[Category:16th-century soldiers]]
[[Category:16th-century Mughal Empire people]]
[[Category:Subahdars of Bengal]]

Latest revision as of 09:01, 19 December 2024

Shahbaz Khan Kamboh
شاهباز خان کمبوه
An early-18th century Mughal painting of Shahbaz Khan, seated on a terrace and smoking a huqqa with a globular bowl apparently made of gold.[1]
5th Subahdar of Bengal
In office
1583–1585
MonarchAkbar
Preceded byAzam Khan I
Succeeded bySadiq Khan
In office
November 1586 – 1588
Preceded bySadiq Khan
Succeeded bySa'id Khan
Personal details
Born
Shahrullah Kamboh Ibn Jumla

1529
Died11 November 1599(1599-11-11) (aged 69–70)
Ajmer, Mughal Empire
RelativesHaji Ismail Kamboh

Shahrullah Kamboh (Persian: شهرالله کمبوه; 1529 – 11 November 1599), better known as Shahbaz Khan Kamboh (Persian: شاهباز خان کمبوه), was a Punjabi Muslim and one of the leading generals of Mughal emperor Akbar.[2][3][4] He participated in some of the most difficult expeditions of Akbar and annexed numerous territories to the empire. The Mughal officials boasted that he conquered countries ten times the size of Deccan.[5] He was too orthodox a Sunni Muslim for Akbar's taste, but not only was he tolerated but also was greatly valued.[6] He was named "Mang Khan" (Urdu: منگ خان) by the people of Lahore meaning "ask the Khan and it will be done" In Punjabi due to his legendary generosity.[7] The very first 'guzar' in Lahore Fort was named Guzar Shahbaz Khan (Persian: گزر شاھباز خان) known locally as Guzar Mang Khan (Urdu: گزر منگ خان).[7]

Early life and family background

[edit]

Born as Shahrullah in Lahore, he belonged to the Punjabi Kamboh clan and was the sixth-generation descendant of Haji Ismail Kamboh, a disciple of Bahauddin Zakariya.[8][9] He had entered Mughal service during Akbar's time. The Emperor was very much impressed by his sagacity and sharpness of intellect at the very first sight and soon elevated him to the rank of Mir Tozak (Quarter-Master General) and later to an Amir (Minister). He was a very capable officer, a brave soldier and had rendered meritorious service to the Mughal empire in various capacities.[10] From a mansab of 100, he rapidly rose the number to 5000. As a Governor of Bengal, when operating in Brahmaputra, he had commanded 9000 strong cavalry.

He was an all-rounder officer and besides his military duties, he also helped Akbar in civil administration and financial matters. He became a very close confidant, a companion, a Mir Bakhshi (head of the military department, holding the rank of imperial minister) and a Vakil (Chief Administrator or Prime Minister) of Akbar and had acquired and exercised great powers. He was given the name Shahbaz Khan at this point. In 1581, when Emperor Akbar marched against Mirza Hakim to the Punjab, Shahbaz Khan came to Fatehpur and for about ten months, he took in his hands the reins of state administration in the absence of the Emperor.[11]

Mir Bakshi of the Mughals

[edit]

In 1572, General Lashkar Khan entered the royal court in a drunken state and challenged anybody to come and fight with him. His rowdy and blatant behavior annoyed His Majesty so much that he was ordered to be arrested, tied to the tail of a horse and dragged and finally thrown into the prison.[12] He was replaced with Shahbaz Khan whom the emperor made his Mir Bakhshi (Paymaster-General). The title of Shahbaz Khan was also conferred on him.

Introducing Dagh-o-Mahali

[edit]

As soon as Shahbaz Khan became Mir Bakshi, he introduced the Dagh-o-Mahali (a branding system) which had considerably cut down the over-heads as well as the corruption prevalent in the military departments of the kingdom. The system had been earlier in vogue during Alauddin Khalji as well as Sher Shah Suri but was discontinued during Mughal rule and was replaced with fief system which came to be badly misused by the Amirs and the officers. Under this system, the country was divided into numerous fiefs which were distributed among the Amirs. Unfortunately, they had become greedy, corrupt and oppressive and often also rebellious. Major part of the revenue was misappropriated by the fief-holders for personal use. Shahbaz Khan changed the system and handled the branding system with such a skill and competency that not only it ended the rampant corruption but also improved discipline in the military and reduced needless financial burden on the imperial treasury. But the new system had earned Shahbaz Khan the hatred of the nobles like Mirza Aziz Koka[13] He severely criticized the new system.[14]

Battle against Arab Bahadur

[edit]

General Shahbaz Khan had nearly driven Rana Pratap from the country when he was summoned by the emperor and sent with an army to support the forces in Bengal against Arab Bahadur. When Shahbaz Khan came near to Hajipur where Arab Bahadur had taken refuge with Raja Gajpati, he marched to attack him. For one month he carried operations against him clearing away the jungle and finally drove off Arab Bahadur and made the Raja Gajpati submit.[citation needed]

Battle against Bahadhur Khan-i-Shaibani

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Bahadhur Khan-i-Shaibani and his brother Khan Zaman-i-Shaibani were Amir Viziers in the court of Akbar and both were holding big Jagirs, but as luck would have it, they rebelled against the emperor. With the help of Shahbaz Khan, Akbar crushed the rebellion with an iron hand. General Khan Zaman-i-Shaibani was killed in the battle but Bahadhur Khan was executed by Shahbaz Khan and Rai Bansi Das Kamboh on orders of the emperor.[citation needed]

Campaigns against Mewar

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Main article: Shahbaz khan's invasions of mewar

He led multiple invasions that resulted in the subjugation of key areas in Mewar, such as Kumbhalgarh, Mandalgarh, Gogunda, and Central Mewar, bringing them permanently under Mughal rule. The Mughal Empire established its supremacy in Mewar after Shahbaz Khan's invasions. This ultimately led to a significant weakening of Maharana Pratap's power, forcing him to retreat to his hilly abode.[15]

As Subahdar of Bengal

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On 18 May 1583, Shahbaz Khan was appointed Subahdar of Bengal and took the title Mir Jumla. Initially, he had commanded 5000 cavalry and had distinguished himself greatly in Bengal, but later when operating in Brahmputra, he had commanded 9000 strong cavalry.[citation needed]

Tarsun Khan was engaged in war against Masum Khan. Shahbaz Khan's forces invested Dinajpur and Masum Khan was thus besieged in Dinajpur. The combined forces of Shahbaz Khan and Tarsun Khan attacked Masum Khan on November 15, 1583, but the latter fled to Bhati while Jabbari, an ally of Masum Khan, fled to Koch Bihar. Masum Khan got refuge with Isa Khan at Bhati.

Battle against Isa Khan

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In 1584, Shahbaz Khan crossed Ganges near Khizirpur and seized Sonargaon and ravaged Bakatpur where Isa Khan was trenched. Initially he achieved a considerable success and even ravaged Katrabo, Khizirpur, Sonargaon and Egarasindur but finally suffered a defeat in the battle of Egarasindur and Bhawal. He was forced to retreat to the Mughal capital at Tanda. With reinforcements sent by Akbar, Shahbaz Khan again marched towards Bhati in 1586. Isa Khan attacked Shahbaz Khan at Bhawal (north of Dhaka) but forces of Shahbaz Khan were well fortified near Brahmaputra. Shahbaz Khan had commanded a 9000 strong cavalry at Brahmaputra.

In 1585, Shahbaz Khan subdued Raja of Kukrah or Coira Orissa (Chhota Nagpur) a tributary to the Crown. According to Ai’n-i-Akbari, Kukrah or Coira Orissa was a part of Bihar Subah.[16]

Shahbaz Khan was sent to Deccan to help Murad. Shahbaz Khan reduced one Tiyuldar of Madhopur fort and obtained tribute from him. During conquest of Ahmmad Nagar, Shahbaz Khan harassed the Muslims and ravaged their houses which was greatly resented by Murad. Thereby, Shahbaz Khan left Murad without permission and reached Malwa. Akbar took away his Jagir and gave it Shah-Rukh and transferred Shahbaz Khan.

Reappointed as Governor of Bengal

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In November 1586, Shahbaz Khan was again appointed Governor of Bengal in which capacity he served for two years before leaving in 1588. Shahbaz Khan was one of the best Khan during his governorship of Bangala and Orissa.

Shahbaz Khan had also subdued the pride of Raja Ram Chander Sain, Rai Surjan Handa & Dauda, Farhat Khan, Raja Gajpati, Raja Sri Ram, Rana Sangram as well as the officers of Surat. He reduced Jagdenpur, Ara, Shergarh, and Rahitas etc. These conquests had greatly enhanced the prestige and status of Shahbaz Khan which were greatly appreciated by Akbar.

In 1589 AD, General Shabaz Khan led an expedition from Attock against the Yousafzai Afghans and defeated and dispersed them.

Imprisoned

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Shahbaz Khan had been kept in confinement for three years before he paid a fine (ransom) of seven lacs of rupees. He was set free in 1599 and appointed as the deputy to the prince Jahangir in the administration of the province of Ajmer (Malwa). He was the General Administrator of Malwa which office he held till his death.[17]

Shahbaz Khan died of illness on 11 November 1599 at Ajmer at the age of over 70 years.

As an administrator

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Miniature painting of Shahbaz Khan Kamboh

Historian Abu-L-Fazl Alami, the author of Aiana-i-Akbari, attests that Shahbaz Khan was a very competent and capable General but Abu-L-Fazal also accuses him for his bigoted Sunni views and arrogance. Many a times, he strongly opposed the emperor, but Akbar had a great regard for Shahbaz Khan and took it lightly.

The 9000 strong cavalry of General Shahbaz Khan is said to have comprised mostly the Kamboj (Kamboh) horsemen and it included both the Muslim as well as the Hindu Kamboj soldiers.[18]

Shahbaz Khan was known for his generosity and liberality and the money he spent was so great that it made the people think that he had in his possession Philosopher's stone. He left behind a huge Jagir , treasures and other wealth.[19] which was seized by Jahangir, son of Emperor Akbar after his death.[20]

As a religious man

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Shabaz Khan belonged the family whose ancestors were all celebrated for piety, asceticism and religiosity. Shahbaz Khan in early part of his life was celebrated for his religiosity till he first became deputy Kotwal of the Chabutara when he displayed his awareness of the (affairs of the) kingdom and judicious disposal of matters. Afterwards, he became Kotwal and became a favorite of Emperor Akbar.[citation needed] He was a capable officer and brave fighter and had rendered meritorious service to the state in various capacities. A leading courtier of Akbar, he was strict follower of the law of Shari’ah and profusely recited blessings on Muhammad and distributed large sum of money in charities.[10] Every Friday, he would donate one hundred Asharfis (gold coins) in memory of Abdul-Qadir Gilani.

Shahbaz Khan himself was deeply religious and pious man. He did not put on dress outside the sanction of simna (i.e. which had no sanction of Muhammad's action). He always carried a rosary in his hand, reciting all the while invocations of God's salutations on Muhammad and between the evening and sunset prayers, he would sit down facing west (qibla) and offering nimaz. He did not follow other Khans as long as he was alive in shaving off his beard and drinking wine and did not have (the word) Murid on his signet. He remained steadfast in the religion of Islam and left his name in the world of generosity and religiosity.[21]

Emperor Akbar tried his best to bring General Shahbaz Khan and another General Qutb-ud-din Muhammad Khan Koka into his new faith known as Din-i-Ilahi but the move was strongly criticized by both of them.[22] This, according to Abu-L-Fazl had created obstacles in his promotion upwards. On the other hand, many incompetent and junior officers got promoted which they did never deserve.

Guzar Shahbaz Khan

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During the reign of The Mughal emperor Akbar the newly-constructed brick-walled city of Lahore was divided into nine ‘guzars’. The very first was named Guzar Shahbaz Khan (Persian: گزر شہباز خان), which area was popularly known among the people of the city as Guzar Mang Khan (Punjabi: گزر منگ خان). The word ‘mang’ (Punjabi: منگ) comes from the Punjabi expression meaning ‘ask, and it will be done’.[7] Due to his legendary generosity, almost making the people of Lahore and the surrounding areas think that he had unlimited wealth. For this reason he was termed Mang Khan (Punjabi: منگ خان), or ‘ask the Khan and it will be done’.[7]

The guzar constitutes the entire area surrounding the Lahore Fort comprising the present Badshahi Mosque, including Taxali to the middle of Masti and Kashmiri gates, designed like a military arc to protect the emperor and his fort.[7] it is ascribed that building of the Lahore Fort and the walled city by Mughal Emperor Akbar was a military suggestion of Shahbaz Khan. The free labour available during the four year long Great Lahore Famine, that lived off the free kitchens, was utilised in the construction.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Pinder-Wilson, Ralph (1962). "A Glass Huqqa Bowl". The British Museum Quarterly. 25 (3/4): 91–94. doi:10.2307/4422751. ISSN 0007-151X.
  2. ^ Munis D. Faruqui (2012). The Princes of the Mughal Empire, 1504–1719. p. 194. Shahbaz Khan Kambo, Akbar's leading noble commanders
  3. ^ Discovery of Pakistan: By A. Aziz. [2d Rev. Ed.], 1964, p 71, Abdul Aziz – Pakistan.
  4. ^ Islamic Thought and Movements in the Subcontinent, 711–1947, 1979, p 278, Syed Moinul Haq.
  5. ^ Eaton, Richard M. (2005-11-17). A Social History of the Deccan, 1300–1761: Eight Indian Lives. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-25484-7.
  6. ^ Advanced History of Medieval India, 1995, p 376, S.R. Bakshi.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Sheikh, Majid (2016-10-02). "The 'guzar' named after great Kamboh general". DAWN.com. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  8. ^ Chisti, AA Sheikh Md Asrarul Hoque (2012). "Shahbaz Khan". In Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  9. ^ Sharma, Parvati (2023-05-15). A Lamp for the Dark World: Akbar, India's Greatest Mughal. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 208. ISBN 978-1-5381-7790-7.
  10. ^ a b Encyclopaedic Survey of Islamic Culture, 1997, p 112, Mohamed Taher.
  11. ^ Proceedings – Indian History Congress, 1976, p 191, Indian History Congress – History; Journal of Indian History, 1976, p 372, University of Kerala Dept. of History, University of Allahabad Dept. of Modern Indian History, University of Travancore, University of Kerala.
  12. ^ Mukhia, Harbans (2008-04-15). The Mughals of India. John Wiley & Sons. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-470-75815-1.
  13. ^ (Akbar the Great, 1962, p 357, Ashirbadi Lal Srivastava).
  14. ^ Medieval India, 1969, p 50, Aligarh Muslim University Dept. of History. Centre of Advanced Study.
  15. ^ Sharma, G. N. (1954). Mewar and the mughal emperors. Shiva Lal Agarwala & Co. p. 113.
  16. ^ Proceedings - Indian History Congress, 1977, p 350, Indian History Congress.
  17. ^ Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India, 1981, p 226, Jaswant Lal Mehta; Origin & Development of Legal & Political System in India: Ed. H.S. Bhatia., 1976, p 79, Harbans Singh Bhatia.
  18. ^ Nobility Under the Great Mughals: Based on Dhakhīratul Khawanīn of Shaikh Farīd Bhakkari, 2003, p 245, Shaikh Farid Bhakkari, Ziyaud-Din A. Desai.
  19. ^ Rise and Fall of the Mughal Empire, 1969, p 336, Mogul Empire.
  20. ^ Encyclopaedic Survey of Islamic Culture: Growth & Development, 1998, p 112, Mohamed Taher; Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals Part - II, p 126, Satish Chandra.
  21. ^ Road to Pakistan: A Comprehensive History of the Pakistan Movement, 1947, edition 1990, p 187,Hakim Mohammad Said - Muslims.
  22. ^ Muslim Civilizatiuon in India, New York, Columbia University Press, 1964 , XII. Religion at Akbar's Court, S. M. Ikram, (Ed) Ainslie T. Embree.

See also

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