Birbal was another name for laughter, wisdom and logic in the Mughal court. Birbal, whom Emperor Akbar blindly trusted, died one day in such circumstances that even his dead body could not be recovered. This incident recorded in history is not just the story of a war, but also the story of the biggest mistake and deepest regret of Akbar’s life. After all, what happened that day, when the brightest gem of the court was extinguished forever?

Special relationship between Akbar and Birbal

Birbal was one of Akbar’s Navratnas and his identity in the court was not just that of a minister but as the most trusted advisor of the emperor. Akbar liked him very much because of his wit, intelligence and clear thinking. Akbar-Birbal’s relationship is openly mentioned in many historical books, especially in Ira Mukhoti’s ‘The Great Mughal’. Akbar many times kept Birbal’s opinion above all else.

Elephant story, when Akbar himself saved his life

In the year 1583, a battle of elephants was organized in Fatehpur Sikri. An uncontrollable elephant suddenly moved towards Birbal and picked him up in the trunk and waved him in the air. There was chaos in the court. Before the soldiers could understand anything, Akbar himself proceeded on horseback and distracted the attention of the elephant. The elephant left Birbal and his life was saved. This incident shows how much importance Akbar gave to Birbal.

The game of fate changed after three years

The situation changed completely in 1586. In the Swat and Bajaur areas of Afghanistan, the Yusufzai tribes had rebelled against the Mughal rule. People were troubled by looting and violence. Akbar sent his commander Jain Khan Koka there, but he did not get success. When the call for help came, two names were present in the court – Abul Fazal and Birbal.

Akbar’s biggest mistake

Abul Fazal was more experienced in war and strategy and was ready to go himself, but Akbar chose Birbal and sent him to Bajaur with 8000 soldiers. This is where Akbar made a big mistake. Birbal was adept at intelligence and diplomacy, but war was not his strong suit. Later, this decision continued to trouble Akbar throughout his life.

infighting and ambush

The relationship between Birbal and Jain Khan Koka was not good before. The strategies of both continued to clash in Bajaur also. Birbal made a different plan considering the hilly areas, but Jain Khan did not agree with it. Meanwhile, the Afghan tribes saw the opportunity and set up an ambush. In the Balandari valley, where the Mughal army had camped, they were attacked with stones and arrows in the dark of night.

The tragic end and the missing body

The sudden attack caused huge destruction. According to historians, more than 8000 Mughal soldiers were killed. Birbal also died in this attack by being buried under stones. Due to the hilly area, his body could never be found. This is considered to be the biggest military defeat of Akbar’s reign.

Akbar’s deep shock

Abul Fazal has written in ‘Akbarnama’ that Birbal’s death had broken Akbar to the core. Even historians like Badayuni, who was jealous of Birbal, admitted that Akbar was never seen to be so devastated by someone’s death. Not being able to even perform the last rites of Birbal was the biggest sorrow for Akbar.

Also read: The ‘lustful’ Mughal emperor used to decorate his court sometimes without clothes and sometimes in the guise of a woman.

In Mughal history, some names are known for bravery and administration, while some become synonymous with infamy due to their eccentricity and luxury. One such name is Jahandar Shah, during whose time the Mughal court became less a center of power and more a stage of spectacle. This emperor, who used to hold court sometimes without clothes and sometimes in the guise of a woman, became one of the most controversial rulers in history in just nine months. His story of power, love and cruelty still shocks.

Power struggle after the death of Bahadur Shah

After the death of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah I in the year 1712, a fierce struggle for succession began in the Sultanate. In this fight between his sons, Jahandar Shah ultimately emerged victorious and ascended the throne of Delhi. However, as soon as he got power, he started losing hope that he would prove to be a stable and strong ruler. According to historians, Jahandar Shah became more interested in luxury than governance.

Lal Kunwar’s influence and centralization of power

Lal Kunwar played the most important role in the life and rule of Jahandar Shah. Lal Kunwar was the daughter of a famous singer Khasurait Khan and was known for dancing and beauty. As soon as he assumed power, Jahandar Shah gave her the status of queen and awarded her the title of ‘Imtiaz Mughal’. After this, the reins of governance gradually passed into his hands. Many important decisions of the court started being taken on the advice and wish of Lal Kunwar.

Abundance of relatives and weakness of administration

Lal Kunwar used his influence to get high mansabs and jagirs for his family and close people. Kinship started getting preference over qualification in administrative posts. Due to this, dissatisfaction spread in the Mughal court and the old nobles and generals started losing confidence in the emperor. The seriousness of governance started waning and power became weaker.

cruel decisions and crazy actions

In history, Jahandar Shah is remembered not only as a debaucher but also as a cruel ruler. It is mentioned in many accounts that he took tough decisions considering his own sons as a threat to his power. Apart from this, his behavior towards the common people is also said to be merciless.

The naked court and the image of the ‘lewd’

Jahandar Shah is most discussed about his strange activities. It is said that sometimes he used to reach the court without clothes, and sometimes he used to attend meetings wearing women’s clothes. These actions deeply hurt the dignity of the Mughal Sultanate. This was the reason why contemporary historians and courtiers called him a ‘licentious’ and incompetent ruler.

Only nine months of reign and a painful end

Jahandar Shah’s rule was very short-lived. In just nine months, taking advantage of his weak policies and court discontent, his nephew Farrukhsiyar rebelled against him. After the decisive defeat on 6 January 1713, Jahandar was forced to flee with Shah Lal Kunwar, but was soon captured. Jahandar Shah’s end after being captured was very painful. He was brutally killed in jail itself.

Also read: Why was this city of the world called the city of sins, how were the people here ‘punished’?