War of Succession
Realm 67: Fratricide, Samugarh, and the Caged Padshah
WORLD K — AURANGZEB, MARATHAS & CRISIS
MICRO-REALM 01
The Ailing Emperor
- 1657: Shah Jahan falls ill.
- Rumors of his death spread.
- Dara manages imperial affairs.
- Trigger for fratricidal war.
MICRO-REALM 02
Dara Shikoh
- Favored heir apparent.
- Liberal Sufi mystic.
- Translated the Upanishads.
- Lacked harsh military grit.
MICRO-REALM 03
The Four Brothers
- Dara (Delhi/Agra).
- Shuja (Bengal).
- Aurangzeb (Deccan).
- Murad Bakhsh (Gujarat).
MICRO-REALM 04
Battle of Dharmat
- April 1658 clash.
- Aurangzeb & Murad unite.
- Defeat imperial army.
- Jaswant Singh retreats.
MICRO-REALM 05
Battle of Samugarh
- May 1658 decisive battle.
- Khalilullah Khan's betrayal.
- Dara steps down from elephant.
- Fatal panic ensues.
MICRO-REALM 06
Betrayal of Murad
- Aurangzeb feigns piety.
- Murad invited to feast.
- Intoxicated and arrested.
- Later executed in Gwalior.
MICRO-REALM 07
Flight of Shuja & Dara
- Shuja defeated at Khajwa.
- Flees to Arakan, perishes.
- Dara hunted across Sindh.
- Betrayed by Afghan chief.
MICRO-REALM 08
Dara's Execution
- Paraded in rags through Delhi.
- Condemned for apostasy.
- Assassinated in prison.
- Head sent to Shah Jahan.
MICRO-REALM 09
Imprisonment in Agra
- Muthamman Burj pavilion.
- Confined for eight years.
- Tended by Jahanara.
- Gazing out at the Taj.
MICRO-REALM 10
Alamgir Crowned
- Aurangzeb ascends throne.
- Title: 'Conqueror of the World'.
- Orthodox Islamic rule begins.
- A ruthless, bloody triumph.