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{{Short description|Mughal emperor from 1713 to 1719}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2016}}
{{short description|Tenth Mughal Emperor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{stack begin}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| name        = Farrukhsiyar <br>فرخ سیر
| name        = Farrukhsiyar&lt;br/&gt; فرخ‌سیار
| title        = [[Padishah]] <br> [[Imperial and royal titles of the Mughal emperors|Al-Sultan Al-Azam]]
| title        = {{noitalic|{{ubl|[[Padishah]]|[[Imperial and royal titles of the Mughal emperors|Al-Sultan Al-Azam]]}}}}
| image        = Farooksiyar.png
| image        = Muhhamad_Farukhsiyar.jpg
| caption      = 18th century portrait
| caption      = Emperor Farrukhsiyar holding a jewel {{circa|1717}}
| succession  = 10th [[Mughal Emperor]]
| succession  = [[Mughal Emperor]]
| reign        = 11 January 1713&nbsp;– 28 February 1719
| reign        = 11 January 1713 – {{Nowrap|28 February 1719}}
| predecessor  = [[Jahandar Shah|Jahāndār Shāh]]
| predecessor  = [[Jahandar Shah|Jahāndār Shāh]]
| successor    = [[Rafi ud-Darajat|Rafī-ud-Darajāt]]
| successor    = [[Rafi ud-Darajat|Rafī-ud-Darajāt]]
| spouse      = {{Ubl|Gauhar-un-Nissa Begum|
| spouse      = {{Ubl|
Fakhr-un-Nissa Begum
Fakhr-un-Nissa Begum
|{{marriage|[[Indira Kanwar]]<br/>|1715}}
|{{marriage|[[Indira Kanwar]]|27 September 1715}}
|{{marriage|Bai Bhup Devi<br/>|1717}}}}
|{{marriage|Bhup Devi|3 July 1717}}}}
| issue        = {{Ubl|[[Badshah Begum]] |
| issue        = {{Ubl|[[Badshah Begum]] |
Farkhunda Bakht |
Farkhunda Bakht |
Jahan Murad Shah|
Jahan Murad Shah|
Jahangir Shah }}
Jahangir Shah }}
| full name    = Mirza Abu'l Muzaffar Muīn-ud-Dīn Muhammad Shāh Farrukhsiyar Alim Akbar Sāni Wālā Shān Pādshāh-i-bahr-u-bar
| full name    = Mirza Abu'l Muzaffar Muīn-ud-dīn Muhammad Shāh Farrukhsiyar Alim Akbar Sāni Wālā Shāh Pādshāh-i-bahr-u-bar
| posthumous name = Shahid-i-Marhum ({{lang|fa|{{nq|شهید مرهوم}}}}, {{literal|The martyr received into mercy'}})
| posthumous name = Shahid-i-Marhum ({{literal|The martyr received into mercy'}})
| dynasty      = [[File:Timurid.svg|25px]] [[Timurid dynasty]]
| dynasty      = [[Timurid Dynasty]]
| module      = {{Infobox military person  
| module      = {{Infobox military person  
| embed = yes
| embed = yes
| battles = [[Siege of Gurdaspur|Siege of Gurdaspur (1715)]] <br> <br> [[Battle of Gurdas Nangal|Battle of Gurdas Nangal (1715)]]
| battles = {{plainlist|
*[[Siege of Gurdaspur|Siege of Gurdaspur (1715)]]
* [[Battle of Gurdas Nangal|Battle of Gurdas Nangal (1715)]]}}
}}
}}
| house        = [[Mughal dynasty|House of Babur]]
| house        = [[Mughal Dynasty]]
| father      = [[Azim-ush-Shan|Azīm-ush-Shān]]
| father      = [[Azim-ush-Shan|Azīm-ush-Shān]]
| mother      = Sahiba Niswan
| mother      = Sahiba Niswan
| birth_date  = {{birth date|1683|08|20}}
| birth_date  = {{Birth date|1683|08|20|df=yes}}
| birth_place  = [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]], [[Mughal Empire]]
| birth_place  = [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]], [[Ahmadnagar Subah]], [[Mughal Empire]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1719|04|09|1683|08|20}}
| death_date   = {{Death date and age|1719|04|09|1683|08|20|df=yes}}
| place of burial = [[Humayun's Tomb]], Delhi
| death_place  = [[Shahjahanabad]], [[Delhi]], [[Mughal Empire]]
| religion    = [[Sunni Islam]] {{small|([[Hanafi]])}}|
| death_cause    = [[Execution]] by [[Immurement]]
| burial_place = [[Humayun's Tomb]], [[Delhi]], [[India]]
| religion    = [[Sunni Islam]] ([[Hanafi]])|
}}
}}
{{Mughal}}
{{stack end}}


'''Farrukhsiyar''' or '''Farrukh Siyar''' ([[Persian language|Persian]]: فرخ سیار) ({{IPA-fa|farʊx'sɪjar}}) (20 August 1683{{Snd}}9 April 1719) was the tenth [[Mughal emperors|emperor]] of the [[Mughal Empire]] from 1713 to 1719. He rose to the throne after deposing his uncle [[Jahandar Shah]].<ref name="sen2">{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-93-80607-34-4 |pages=193}}</ref> He was an emperor only in name, with all effective power in the hands of the [[Sayyid brothers|Sayyids of Barah]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Sanjay Subrahmanyam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=71h7DgAAQBAJ&dq=barha+sayyid+dynasty&pg=PA198 |title=Europe's India |date=2017 |publisher=Harvard University Press |isbn=9780674977556}}</ref>
'''Farrukhsiyar''' ({{langx|fa|فرخ‌سیار|rtl=yes}}, {{IPA|fa|faɾ.ˈɾux saj.ˈjɑːɾ}}; 20 August 1683 9 April 1719), also spelled as '''Farrukh Siyar''', was the tenth [[Mughal emperors|Mughal Emperor]] from 1713 to 1719. He rose to the throne after deposing his uncle [[Jahandar Shah]].&lt;ref name="sen2"&gt;{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-93-80607-34-4 |pages=193}}&lt;/ref&gt; He was an emperor only in name, with all effective power in the hands of the two courtiers, [[Sayyid brothers]].&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book |author=Sanjay Subrahmanyam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=71h7DgAAQBAJ&amp;dq=barha+sayyid+dynasty&amp;pg=PA198 |title=Europe's India |date=2017 |publisher=Harvard University Press |isbn=9780674977556}}&lt;/ref&gt;
 
Reportedly a handsome man who was easily swayed by his advisers, lacking the ability, knowledge and character to rule independently. 
 
Farrukhsiyar was the son of [[Azim-ush-Shan]] (the second son of emperor [[Bahadur Shah I]]) and Sahiba Niswan.


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Muhammad Farrukhsiyar was born on 20 August 1683 (9th [[Ramadan|Ramzan]] 1094 [[Anno Hegirae|AH]]) in the city of [[Aurangabad]] on the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan plateau]], to a Kashmiri mother, Sahiba Niswan.<ref>{{cite book |title= Journal and Proceedings Volume 73, Parts 1-3 |page= 306 |date= 1907 |publisher= Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal }}</ref> He was the second son of [[Azim-ush-Shan]], the second son of emperor [[Bahadur Shah I]] and a grandson of emperor [[Aurangzeb]].  
Muhammad Farrukhsiyar was born on 20 August 1683 (9th [[Ramadan|Ramzan]] 1094 [[Anno Hegirae|AH]]) in the city of [[Aurangabad]] on the [[Deccan Plateau]], to a Kashmiri mother, Sahiba Niswan.&lt;ref name="Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal"&gt;{{cite book |title= Journal and Proceedings Volume 73, Parts 1-3 |page= 306 |date= 1907 |publisher= Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal }}&lt;/ref&gt; He was the second son of [[Azim-ush-Shan]], the grandson of emperor [[Bahadur Shah I]] and a great-grandson of emperor [[Aurangzeb]].


In 1696, Farrukhsiyar accompanied his father on his campaign to [[Bengal]]. Aurangzeb recalled Azim-ush-Shan from Bengal in 1707 and instructed Farrukhsiyar to take charge of the province. Farrukhsiyar spent his early years governing [[Dhaka]] (in present-day [[Bangladesh]]) the capital city of Bengal Subah.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=198}}
In 1696, Farrukhsiyar accompanied his father on his campaign to [[Bengal]]. Aurangzeb recalled Azim-ush-Shan from Bengal in 1707 and instructed Farrukhsiyar to take charge of the province. Farrukhsiyar spent his early years governing [[Dhaka]] (in present-day [[Bangladesh]]) the capital city of Bengal Subah.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=198}}
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== Deposing Jahandar Shah ==
== Deposing Jahandar Shah ==
[[File:Farrukhsiyar receiving Husain Ali Khan ca. 1715 British Library.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A seated Farrukhsiyar, with an attendant behind him, receives Hussain Ali Khan|Farrukhsiyar receiving Hussain Ali Khan, ca. 1715]]
[[File:Farrukhsiyar receiving Husain Ali Khan ca. 1715 British Library.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A seated Farrukhsiyar, with an attendant behind him, receives Hussain Ali Khan|Farrukhsiyar receiving Hussain Ali Khan, {{Circa|1715}}]]


In 1712, [[Jahandar Shah]] (Farrukhsiyar's uncle) ascended the throne of the [[Mughal Empire]] by defeating Farrukhsiyar's father, Azim-ush-Shan. Farrukhsiyar wanted revenge for his father's death and was joined by Hussain Ali Khan (the ''[[subahdar]]'' of Bengal) and Abdullah Khan, his brother and the ''subahdar'' of [[Allahabad]].{{sfn|Asiatic Society of Bengal|2009|p=273}}
In 1712, [[Jahandar Shah]] (Farrukhsiyar's uncle) ascended the throne of the [[Mughal Empire]] by defeating Farrukhsiyar's father, Azim-ush-Shan. Farrukhsiyar wanted revenge for his father's death and was joined by Hussain Ali Khan (the ''[[subahdar]]'' of Bengal) and Abdullah Khan, his brother and the ''subahdar'' of [[Allahabad]].{{sfn|Asiatic Society of Bengal|2009|p=273}}
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=== Hostility towards the Sayyid Brothers ===
=== Hostility towards the Sayyid Brothers ===


[[File:Farrukhsiyar Procession in front of the Great Mosque of Delhi.png|thumb|left|Farrukh Siyar arrives at the Friday congregation in Delhi during the reign of the Barha Sayyids]]
[[File:Farrukhsiyar Procession in front of the Great Mosque of Delhi.png|thumb|Farrukh Siyar arrives at the Friday congregation in Delhi.]]
[[File:Silver Rupee struck in the name of Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar, minted in Itawa, AD 1714, photographed by Yogabrata Chakraborty on October 23, 2024.jpg|thumb|200px|Silver Rupee struck in the name of Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar, minted in Itawa, AD 1714.]]


Farrukhsiyar defeated [[Jahandar Shah]] with the aid of the [[Sayyid brothers]], and one of the brothers, Abdullah Khan, wanted the post of ''[[List of Mughal grand viziers|wazir]]'' (prime minister). His demand was rejected, since the post was promised to Ghaziuddin Khan, but Farrukhsiyar offered him a post as [[regent]] under the name of ''wakil-e-mutlaq''. Abdullah Khan refused, saying that he deserved the post of ''wazir'' since he led Farrukhsiyar's army against Jahandar Shah. Farrukhsiyar ultimately gave in to his demand, and Abdullah Khan became ''wazir''.<ref>Tazkirat ul-Mulk by Yahya Khan p.122</ref> His brother Hussain Ali Khan became the ''Mir Bakhshi'' or Commander-in-Chief.
Farrukhsiyar defeated [[Jahandar Shah]] with the aid of the [[Sayyid brothers]], and one of the brothers, Abdullah Khan, wanted the post of ''[[List of Mughal grand viziers|wazir]]'' (prime minister). His demand was rejected, since the post was promised to Ghaziuddin Khan, but Farrukhsiyar offered him a post as [[regent]] under the name of ''wakil-e-mutlaq''. Abdullah Khan refused, saying that he deserved the post of ''wazir'' since he led Farrukhsiyar's army against Jahandar Shah. Farrukhsiyar ultimately gave in to his demand, and Abdullah Khan became ''wazir''.&lt;ref&gt;Tazkirat ul-Mulk by Yahya Khan p.122&lt;/ref&gt; His brother Hussain Ali Khan became the ''[[Mir Bakhshi]]'' or Commander-in-Chief.


According to historian [[William Irvine (historian)|William Irvine]], Farrukhsiyar's close aides [[Mir Jumla III]] and Khan Dauran sowed seeds of suspicion in his mind that they might usurp him from the throne. Learning about these developments, the other Sayyid brother (Hussain Ali Khan) wrote to Abdullah Khan: "It was clear, from the Prince's talk and the nature of his acts, that he was a man who paid no regard to claims for service performed, one void of faith, a breaker of his word and altogether without shame".{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=282}} Hussain Ali Khan felt it necessary to act in their interests "without regard to the plans of the new sovereign".{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=283}} Farrukhsiyar could not confront them, as the Sayyid Brothers maintained control of the strongest part of the army, and thus the latter became de facto rulers of the empire.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bhKMDwAAQBAJ&dq=so+he+could+not+confront+the+Sayyid+brothers.+Further,+they+threatened+to+enthrone&pg=PA212 |title= A Short History of the Mughal Empire |page=212 |author= Michael Fischer |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |date=2015 |isbn= 9780857727770 }}</ref>
According to historian [[William Irvine (historian)|William Irvine]], Farrukhsiyar's close aides [[Mir Jumla III]] and Khan Dauran sowed seeds of suspicion in his mind that they might usurp him from the throne. Learning about these developments, the other Sayyid brother (Hussain Ali Khan) wrote to Abdullah Khan: "It was clear, from the Prince's talk and the nature of his acts, that he was a man who paid no regard to claims for service performed, one void of faith, a breaker of his word and altogether without shame".{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=282}} Hussain Ali Khan felt it necessary to act in their interests "without regard to the plans of the new sovereign".{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=283}} Farrukhsiyar could not confront them, as the Sayyid Brothers maintained control of the strongest part of the army, and thus the latter became de facto rulers of the empire.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bhKMDwAAQBAJ&amp;dq=so+he+could+not+confront+the+Sayyid+brothers.+Further,+they+threatened+to+enthrone&amp;pg=PA212 |title= A Short History of the Mughal Empire |page=212 |author= Michael Fischer |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |date=2015 |isbn= 9780857727770 }}&lt;/ref&gt;


=== Campaign against Ajmer ===
=== Campaign against Ajmer ===
[[File:The Six Sons of Maharaja Ajit Singh of Jodhpur on a Visit.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Painting of Maharaja Ajit Singh, his six sons and a peacock|Maharaja Ajit Singh, seen here with his six sons, had his daughter marry Farrukhsiyar in December 1715.]]
[[Ajit Singh of Marwar|Maharaja Ajit Singh of Marwar]] captured [[Ajmer]] with the support of the Marwari nobles and expelled Mughal diplomats from his state. Farrukhsiyar sent [[Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan Barha|Hussain Ali Khan]] to subjugate him. However, the anti-[[Sayyid brothers]] faction in the Mughal emperor's court compelled him to send secret letters to Ajit Singh assuring him of rewards if he defeated Hussain Ali Khan.&lt;ref&gt;The Cambridge Shorter history of India p.456&lt;/ref&gt; Hussain Ali Khan left Delhi for Ajmer on 6 January 1714, accompanied by Sarbuland Khan and Afrasyab Khan. As his army reached Sarai Sahal, Ajit Singh sent diplomats who failed to negotiate a peace. As Hussain Ali Khan advanced to Ajmer via [[Jodhpur]], [[Jaisalmer]] and [[Merta City|Merta]], Ajit Singh retreated to the deserts hoping to dissuade the Mughal general from a battle. Ajit Singh surrendered at Merta.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=288–290}} As a result, Mughal authority was restored in [[Rajasthan|Rajputana]]. Ajit Singh gave his second daughter, Kunwari [[Indira Kanwar]], as a bride to Farrukhsiyar.{{sfn|Fisher|p=78}} His son, Kunwar [[Abhai Singh of Marwar|Abhai Singh]], was compelled to accompany him to see the Mughal emperor his brother-in-law.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=290}}
[[Ajit Singh of Marwar|Maharaja Ajit Singh]] captured [[Ajmer]] with the support of the Marwari nobles and expelled Mughal diplomats from his state. Farrukhsiyar sent [[Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan Barha|Hussain Ali Khan]] to subjugate him. However, the anti-[[Sayyid brothers]] faction in the Mughal emperor's court compelled him to send secret letters to Ajit Singh assuring him of rewards if he defeated Hussain Ali Khan.<ref>The Cambridge Shorter history of India p.456</ref> Hussain Ali Khan left Delhi for Ajmer on 6 January 1714, accompanied by Sarbuland Khan and Afrasyab Khan. As his army reached Sarai Sahal, Ajit Singh sent diplomats who failed to negotiate a peace. As Hussain Ali Khan advanced to Ajmer via Jodhpur, Jaiselmer and Mairtha, Ajit Singh retreated to the deserts hoping to dissuade the Mughal general from a battle. Ajit Singh surrendered at Mairtha.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=288–290}} As a result, Mughal authority was restored in [[Rajasthan]]. Ajit Singh gave his daughter, [[Indira Kanwar]], as a bride to Farrukhsiyar.{{sfn|Fisher|p=78}} His son, [[Abhai Singh of Marwar|Abhai Singh]], was compelled to accompany him to see the Mughal emperor.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=290}}


=== Campaign against the Jats ===
=== Campaign against the Jats ===
[[File:Farrúkh Síyár on horseback with attendants.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Colourful painting of Farrukhsiyar on horseback, surrounded by three attendants on foot|Farrukhsiyar on horseback with attendants]]
[[File:Farrúkh Síyár on horseback with attendants.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Colourful painting of Farrukhsiyar on horseback, surrounded by three attendants on foot|Farrukhsiyar on horseback with attendants]]
Due to [[Aurangzeb]]'s 25-year campaign on the [[Deccan plateau]], Mughal authority weakened in [[North India]] with the rise of local rulers. Taking advantage of the situation, the [[Jats]] advanced.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=322}} In early 1713, Farrukhsiyar unsuccessfully sent ''[[subahdar]]'' of [[Agra Subah|Agra]], Chabela Ram to defeat the Jat leader [[Churaman]]. However, his successor, Samsamud Daulah Khan, compelled Churaman to negotiate with the Mughal emperor. Raja Bahadur Rathore accompanied him to the Mughal court, where negotiations with Farrukhsiyar failed.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=323}}
Due to [[Aurangzeb]]'s 25-year campaign on the [[Deccan Plateau]], Mughal authority weakened in [[North India]] with the rise of local rulers. Taking advantage of the situation, the [[Jats]] advanced.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=322}} In early 1713, Farrukhsiyar unsuccessfully sent ''[[subahdar]]'' of [[Agra Subah|Agra]], Chabela Ram to defeat the Jat leader [[Churaman]]. However, his successor, Samsamud Daulah Khan, compelled Churaman to negotiate with the Mughal emperor. Raja Bahadur Rathore accompanied him to the Mughal court, where negotiations with Farrukhsiyar failed.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=323}}


In September 1716 Raja [[Jai Singh II]] undertook a campaign against Churaman, who lived in Thun (in present-day [[Rajasthan]], India). By 19 November, Jai Singh II began besieging the Thun fort.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=324}} In December Churaman's son, [[Muhkam Singh]], marched from the fort and battled Jai Singh II; the Raja claimed victory. With the Mughals running out of ammunition, Syed Muzaffar Khan was ordered to bring gunpowder, rockets and mounds of lead from the arsenal at Agra.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=325}}
In September 1716 Raja [[Jai Singh II]] undertook a campaign against Churaman, who lived in Thun (in present-day [[Rajasthan]], India). By 19 November, Jai Singh II began besieging the Thun fort.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=324}} In December, Churaman's son, [[Muhkam Singh]], marched from the fort and battled Jai Singh II; the Raja claimed victory. With the Mughals running out of ammunition, Syed Muzaffar Khan was ordered to bring gunpowder, rockets and mounds of lead from the arsenal at Agra.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=325}}


By January 1718, the siege had lasted for more than a year. With rain coming late in 1717, prices of commodities increased and Raja Jai Singh II found it difficult to continue the siege. He wrote to Farrukhsiyar for reinforcement, saying that he had overcome "many encounters" with the Jats. This failed to impress Farrukhsiyar, so Jai Singh II (via his agent in Delhi) informed Hussain Ali Khan that he would give three million rupees to the government and two million rupees to the minister if he championed his cause to the emperor. With negotiations between Hussain Ali Khan and Farrukhsiyar successful, he accepted his demands and dispatched Syed Khan Jahan to bring Churaman to the Mughal court. Farrukhsiyar issued a [[Firman|''farman'']] (royal decree) to Raja Jai Singh II, thanking him for the siege.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=326}}
By January 1718, the siege had lasted for more than a year. With rain coming late in 1717, prices of commodities increased and Raja Jai Singh II found it difficult to continue the siege. He wrote to Farrukhsiyar for reinforcement, saying that he had overcome "many encounters" with the Jats. This failed to impress Farrukhsiyar, so Jai Singh II (via his agent in Delhi) informed Hussain Ali Khan that he would give three million rupees to the government and two million rupees to the minister if he championed his cause to the emperor. With negotiations between Hussain Ali Khan and Farrukhsiyar successful, he accepted his demands and dispatched Syed Khan Jahan to bring Churaman to the Mughal court. Farrukhsiyar issued a [[Firman|''farman'']] (royal decree) to Raja Jai Singh II, thanking him for the siege.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=326}}
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On 19 April 1718, Churaman was presented to Farrukhsiyar; they negotiated for peace, with Churaman accepting Mughal authority. Khan Jahan was given the title of ''Bahadur'' ("brave"). It was decided that Churaman would pay five million rupees in cash and goods to Farrukhsiyar via Syed Abdullah.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=327}}
On 19 April 1718, Churaman was presented to Farrukhsiyar; they negotiated for peace, with Churaman accepting Mughal authority. Khan Jahan was given the title of ''Bahadur'' ("brave"). It was decided that Churaman would pay five million rupees in cash and goods to Farrukhsiyar via Syed Abdullah.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=327}}


=== Campaign against Sikh Confederacy ===
=== Campaign against the Sikhs ===
[[Banda Singh Bahadur]] was a [[Sikh]] leader who, by early 1710's, had captured parts of the [[Punjab|Punjab region]].<ref name="Banda">{{cite web|title=Marathas and the English Company 1707–1800|url=http://www.san.beck.org/2-10-Marathas1707-1800.html|publisher=San Beck|access-date=18 March 2017}}</ref> Mughal emperors [[Bahadur Shah I]] and [[Jahandar Shah]] failed to suppress Banda's uprising.{{sfn|Richards|1995|p=258}}
[[Banda Singh Bahadur]] was a [[Sikh]] leader who, by early 1710s, had captured parts of the [[Punjab|Punjab region]].&lt;ref name="Banda"&gt;{{cite web|title=Marathas and the English Company 1707–1800|url=http://www.san.beck.org/2-10-Marathas1707-1800.html|publisher=San Beck|access-date=18 March 2017|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225084030/http://www.san.beck.org/2-10-Marathas1707-1800.html%20|url-status=dead}}&lt;/ref&gt; Mughal emperors [[Bahadur Shah I]] and [[Jahandar Shah]] failed to suppress Banda's uprising.{{sfn|Richards|1995|p=258}}


In 1714, the Sirhind ''[[faujdar]]'' (garrison commander) Zainuddin Ahmad Khan attacked the Sikhs near [[Ropar]]. In 1715, Farrukhisyar sent 20,000 troops under Qamaruddin Khan, Abdus Samad Khan and [[Zakariya Khan Bahadur]] to defeat Bahadur.<ref name="Banda" /> After an eight-month siege at [[Gurdaspur]], Banda Singh Bahadur surrendered after he ran out of ammunition. Banda Singh Bahadur and his 200 companions were arrested and brought to Delhi; he was paraded around the city of [[Sirhind]].{{sfn|Singha|p=15}}
In 1714, the Sirhind ''[[faujdar]]'' (garrison commander) Zainuddin Ahmad Khan attacked the Sikhs near [[Ropar]]. In 1715, Farrukhisyar sent 20,000 troops under Qamaruddin Khan, Abdus Samad Khan and [[Zakariya Khan Bahadur]] to defeat Bahadur.&lt;ref name="Banda" /&gt; After an eight-month siege at [[Gurdaspur]], Banda Singh Bahadur surrendered after he ran out of ammunition. Banda Singh Bahadur and his 200 companions were arrested and brought to Delhi; he was paraded around the city of [[Sirhind]].{{sfn|Singha|p=15}}


Banda Singh Bahadur was put into an iron cage and the remaining Sikhs were chained.<ref>{{cite book|last=Duggal|first=Kartar|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The Last to Lay Arms|year=2001|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=9788170174103|page=41}}</ref> They were pressured to give up their faith and become Muslims.<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Gurbaksh|title=The Khalsa Generals|year=1927|publisher=Canadian Sikh Study & Teaching Society|isbn=0969409249|page=12}}</ref> Although the emperor promised to spare the Sikhs who [[conversion to Islam|converted to Islam]], according to William Irvine "not one prisoner proved false to his faith". On their firm refusal all were ordered to be executed.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jawandha|first=Nahar|title=Glimpses of Sikhism|year=2010|publisher=Sanbun Publishers|isbn=9789380213255|page=89}}</ref> The Sikhs were brought to Delhi in a procession with the 780 Sikh prisoners, 2,000 Sikh heads hung on spears, and 700 cartloads of heads of slaughtered Sikhs used to terrorise the population.<ref>{{cite book|last=Johar|first=Surinder|title=Guru Gobind Singh|year=1987|publisher=Enkay Publishers|location=The University of Michigan|isbn=9788185148045|page=208}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Sastri|first=Kallidaikurichi|title=A Comprehensive History of India: 1712–1772|year=1978|publisher=Orient Longmans|location=The University of Michigan|page=245}}</ref> When Farrukhsiyar's army reached the [[Red Fort]], the Mughal emperor ordered Banda Singh Bahadur, [[Baj Singh]], Bhai Fateh Singh and their companions to be imprisoned in [[Tripolia Gates|Tripolia]].{{sfn|Singha|p=16}} After three months of confinement,<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Ganda|title=Life of Banda Singh Bahadur: Based on Contemporary and Original Records|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.514005|year=1935|publisher=Sikh History Research Department|page=229}}</ref> On 19 June 1716 Farrukhsiyar had Banda Singh Bahadur and his followers executed, despite the wealthy [[Khatri]]s of Delhi offering money for his release.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=319}} Banda Singh Bahadur's eyes were [[Eye-gouging|gouged]] out, his limbs were severed, his skin removed, and then he was killed.<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Kulwant|title=Sri Gur Panth Prakash: Episodes 1 to 81|year=2006|publisher=Institute of Sikh Studies|isbn=9788185815282|page=415}}</ref>
Banda Singh Bahadur was put into an iron cage and the remaining Sikhs were chained.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|last=Duggal|first=Kartar|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The Last to Lay Arms|year=2001|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=9788170174103|page=41}}&lt;/ref&gt; They were pressured to give up their faith and become Muslims.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Gurbaksh|title=The Khalsa Generals|year=1927|publisher=Canadian Sikh Study &amp; Teaching Society|isbn=0969409249|page=12}}&lt;/ref&gt; Although the emperor promised to spare the Sikhs who [[conversion to Islam|converted to Islam]], according to William Irvine "not one prisoner proved false to his faith". On their firm refusal all were ordered to be executed.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|last=Jawandha|first=Nahar|title=Glimpses of Sikhism|year=2010|publisher=Sanbun Publishers|isbn=9789380213255|page=89}}&lt;/ref&gt; The Sikhs were brought to Delhi in a procession with the 780 Sikh prisoners, 2,000 Sikh heads hung on spears, and 700 cartloads of heads of slaughtered Sikhs used to terrorise the population.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|last=Johar|first=Surinder|title=Guru Gobind Singh|year=1987|publisher=Enkay Publishers|location=The University of Michigan|isbn=9788185148045|page=208}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|last=Sastri|first=Kallidaikurichi|title=A Comprehensive History of India: 1712–1772|year=1978|publisher=Orient Longmans|location=The University of Michigan|page=245}}&lt;/ref&gt; When Farrukhsiyar's army reached the [[Red Fort]], the Mughal emperor ordered Banda Singh Bahadur, [[Baj Singh]], [[Fateh Singh (Sikh warrior)|Fateh Singh]] and their companions to be imprisoned in [[Tripolia Gates|Tripolia]].{{sfn|Singha|p=16}} After three months of confinement,&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Ganda|title=Life of Banda Singh Bahadur: Based on Contemporary and Original Records|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.514005|year=1935|publisher=Sikh History Research Department|page=229}}&lt;/ref&gt; on 19 June 1716 Farrukhsiyar had Banda Singh Bahadur and his followers executed, despite the wealthy [[Khatri]]s of Delhi offering money for his release.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=319}} Banda Singh Bahadur's eyes were [[Eye-gouging|gouged]] out, his limbs were severed, his skin removed, and then he was killed.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Kulwant|title=Sri Gur Panth Prakash: Episodes 1 to 81|year=2006|publisher=Institute of Sikh Studies|isbn=9788185815282|page=415}}&lt;/ref&gt;


=== Campaign against rebels at the Indus River ===
=== Campaign against rebels at the Indus River ===
[[Shah Inayat Shaheed|Shah Inayat]] was the leader of poor peasants of [[Sindh]] who led a decisive movement against [[zamindars]] of Sindh and redistributed land among poor peasants and tillers. He was executed on the order of Emperor Farrukhsiyar in the early eighteenth century.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ansari |first=Sarah F. D. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/23694258 |title=Sufi saints and state power : the pirs of Sind, 1843-1947 |date=1992 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=0-521-40530-0 |location=Cambridge [England] |oclc=23694258}}</ref>
[[Shah Inayat Shaheed|Shah Inayat]] was the leader of poor peasants of [[Sindh]] who led a decisive movement against [[zamindars]] of Sindh and redistributed land among poor peasants and tillers. He was executed on the order of Farrukhsiyar in 1718.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite book |last=Ansari |first=Sarah F. D. |title=Sufi saints and state power : the pirs of Sind, 1843-1947 |date=1992 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=0-521-40530-0 |location=Cambridge [England] |oclc=23694258}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name=bio&gt;{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KnPoYxrRfc0C&amp;pg=PA3941 |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Sasay to Zorgot|author= Mohan Lal |page= 3941|publisher=Sahitya Akademi|isbn=9788126012213|date=1991 }}&lt;/ref&gt;


===Re-Imposition of Jizyah===
=== Reimposition of Jizya ===
Farrukhsiyar gave power to a number of [[Kashmiris|Kashmiri nobles]] such as [[Inayatullah Kashmiri]], an old Alamgiri noble, and Muhammad Murad Kashmiri, who he was related to by marriage. This was because he needed a close party of supporters who were directly related to him in dealing with the Sayyid brothers.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f_RtAAAAMAAJ&q=About+this+time+it+was+learnt+that+Shaista+Khan+,+the+maternal+uncle+of+the+late+Farrukhsiyar+,+was+raising+troops+and |title= The Forgotten Mughals:A History of the Later Emperors of the House of Babar, 1707-1857 |author= G. S. Cheema |date= 2002 |page=142|isbn= 9788173044168 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=dohDAAAAYAAJ&q=The+emperor+felt+the+need+of+raising+the+old+%27+Alamgiri+nobles+%27+as+a+counterpoise+to+the+Sayyids |title= A Study of Eighteenth Century India: Political history, 1707-1761 |date= 1976 |publisher= Saraswat Library }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=dohDAAAAYAAJ&q=farrukhsiyar+chose+khan+dauran |title= A Study of Eighteenth Century India: Political history, 1707-1761 |date= 1976 |author= Jagadish Narayan Sarkar |publisher= Saraswat Library }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Journal and Proceedings Volume 73, Parts 1-3 |page= 306 |date= 1907 |publisher= Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal }}</ref> Inayatullah Khan was appointed the Diwan-i-Tan-o Khalisa, and the governor of [[Mughal Kashmir|Kashmir]] in 1717. He set fire to the Hindu area of [[Srinagar]] and forbade the Pandits from wearing turbans.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RDFuAAAAMAAJ&q=Inayatullah+Khan+,+a+Kashmiri+who+was+appointed+governor+in+1717+,+set+fire+to+the+Hindu+area+of+Srinagar+and+the+Pandits+were+not+allowed+to |title=Kashmir in Conflict:India, Pakistan and the Unending War |page=23 |author=Victoria Schofield |date=1996 |isbn=9781860640360 }}</ref> Inayatullah Khan was further responsible for the re-imposition of Jizyah in the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb. Farrukhsiyar said to the Hindus:<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DLQeSBLpUwsC&dq=farrukhsiyar+jizya&pg=PA174 |title= Rajasthan Through the Ages
Farrukhsiyar gave power to a number of [[Kashmiris|Kashmiri nobles]] such as [[Inayatullah Kashmiri]], an old Alamgiri noble, and Muhammad Murad Kashmiri, who he was related to by marriage. This was because he needed a close party of supporters who were directly related to him in dealing with the Sayyid brothers.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f_RtAAAAMAAJ&amp;q=About+this+time+it+was+learnt+that+Shaista+Khan+,+the+maternal+uncle+of+the+late+Farrukhsiyar+,+was+raising+troops+and |title= The Forgotten Mughals:A History of the Later Emperors of the House of Babar, 1707-1857 |author= G. S. Cheema |date= 2002 |page=142|publisher= Manohar Publishers &amp; Distributors |isbn= 9788173044168 }}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=dohDAAAAYAAJ&amp;q=The+emperor+felt+the+need+of+raising+the+old+%27+Alamgiri+nobles+%27+as+a+counterpoise+to+the+Sayyids |title= A Study of Eighteenth Century India: Political history, 1707-1761 |date= 1976 |publisher= Saraswat Library }}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=dohDAAAAYAAJ&amp;q=farrukhsiyar+chose+khan+dauran |title= A Study of Eighteenth Century India: Political history, 1707-1761 |date= 1976 |author= Jagadish Narayan Sarkar |publisher= Saraswat Library }}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name="Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal"/&gt; Inayatullah Khan was appointed the Diwan-i-Tan-o Khalisa, and the governor of [[Mughal Kashmir|Kashmir]] in 1717. He set fire to the Hindu area of [[Srinagar]] and forbade the Pandits from wearing turbans.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RDFuAAAAMAAJ&amp;q=Inayatullah+Khan+,+a+Kashmiri+who+was+appointed+governor+in+1717+,+set+fire+to+the+Hindu+area+of+Srinagar+and+the+Pandits+were+not+allowed+to |title=Kashmir in Conflict:India, Pakistan and the Unending War |page=23 |author=Victoria Schofield |date=1996 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=9781860640360 }}&lt;/ref&gt; Inayatullah Khan was further responsible for the re-imposition of Jizyah in the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb. Farrukhsiyar said to the Hindus:&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DLQeSBLpUwsC&amp;dq=farrukhsiyar+jizya&amp;pg=PA174 |title= Rajasthan Through the Ages |page= 174 |author= R.K. Gupta, S.R. Bakshi |date= 2008 |publisher= Sarup &amp; Sons |isbn= 9788176258418
|page= 174 |author= R.K. Gupta, S.R. Bakshi |date= 2008 |publisher= Sarup & Sons |isbn= 9788176258418
}}&lt;/ref&gt;
}}</ref>


<blockquote>
{{Blockquote|"Inayatullah has placed before me a letter from the [[Sharif of Mecca]] urging that the collection of jizya is obligatory according to our Holy book. In a matter of faith, I am powerless to interfere."}}
"Inayatullah has placed before me a letter from the [[Sharif of Mecca|Sherif of Mecca]] urging that the collection of jizya is obligatory according to our Holy book. In a matter of faith, I am powerless to interfere."
</blockquote>


=== Trade concession in Bengal ===
=== Trade concession in Bengal ===


[[File:Farrukhsiyar.jpg|thumb|alt=Painting of Farrukhsiyar smoking a hookah with a female attendant|upright|Moonlit portrait of Farrukhsiyar smoking a hookah with a female attendant]]
[[File:Farrukhsiyar.jpg|thumb|alt=Painting of Farrukhsiyar smoking a hookah with a female attendant|upright|Moonlit portrait of Farrukhsiyar smoking a hookah with a female attendant]]
In 1717, Farrukhsiyar issued a ''farman'' giving the [[East India Company|British East India Company]] the right to reside and trade in the Mughal Empire. They were allowed to trade freely, except for a yearly payment of 3,000 [[Coinage of India#Later Mughal Emperors (c. 1555–1857 CE)|rupees]], in gratitude for [[William Hamilton (surgeon)|William Hamilton]], a surgeon associated with the company, curing Farrukhsiyar of a disease.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Samaren Roy|title=Calcutta: Society and Change 1690–1990|date=May 2005|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=978-0-595-34230-3|page=29}}</ref> The company was given the right to issue ''[[Dastak (trade permit)|dastak]]'' (passes) for the movement of goods, which was misused by company officials for personal gain.<ref>{{cite book|title=History and Civics|author1=Vipul Singh, Jasmine Dhillon, Gita Shanmugavel|publisher=Pearson India|isbn=978-81-317-6320-9|page=73}}</ref> The ''farman'' allowed the British East India company to carry out duty-free trade in the [[Bengal Subah|province of Bengal]]. They were given ''dastaks'' (passes), which were misused by the employees of the Company. The ''dastaks'' were used for their own private trade, angering the [[Nawabs of Bengal|Nawab of Bengal]], [[Alivardi Khan]].  
In 1717, Farrukhsiyar issued a ''farman'' giving the [[East India Company|British East India Company]] the right to reside and trade in the Mughal Empire. They were allowed to trade freely, except for a yearly payment of 3,000 [[Coinage of India#Later Mughal Emperors (c. 1555–1857 CE)|rupees]], in gratitude for [[William Hamilton (surgeon)|William Hamilton]], a surgeon associated with the company, curing Farrukhsiyar of a disease.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|author1=Samaren Roy|title=Calcutta: Society and Change 1690–1990|date=May 2005|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=978-0-595-34230-3|page=29}}&lt;/ref&gt; The company was given the right to issue ''[[Dastak (trade permit)|dastak]]'' (passes) for the movement of goods, which was misused by company officials for personal gain.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|title=History and Civics |author1=Vipul Singh |author2=Jasmine Dhillon |author3=Gita Shanmugavel |publisher=Pearson India|isbn=978-81-317-6320-9|page=73}}&lt;/ref&gt; The ''farman'' allowed the British East India company to carry out duty-free trade in the [[Bengal Subah|province of Bengal]]. The improper use of ''dastaks'' for company officials' own private trade angered the [[Nawabs of Bengal|Nawab of Bengal]], [[Alivardi Khan]], which eventually led to future conflicts of the Nawabs of Bengal with the British East India company.


=== Final struggle with the Sayyid Brothers ===
=== Final struggle with the Sayyid Brothers ===
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After Syed Hussain learned about Farrukhsiyar's plans, he felt that their position could be cemented by controlling "important provinces". He asked to be appointed viceroy of the Deccan, instead of [[Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I|Asaf Jah I]]; Farrukhsiyar refused, transferring him to the Deccan instead. Fearing attack by Farrukhsiyar's supporters, the brothers began making military preparations. Although Farrukhsiyar initially considered giving the task of crushing the brothers to Mohammad Amin Khan (who wanted the position of prime minister in return), he decided against it because removing him would be difficult.{{sfn|Chandra|2007|p=478}}
After Syed Hussain learned about Farrukhsiyar's plans, he felt that their position could be cemented by controlling "important provinces". He asked to be appointed viceroy of the Deccan, instead of [[Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I|Asaf Jah I]]; Farrukhsiyar refused, transferring him to the Deccan instead. Fearing attack by Farrukhsiyar's supporters, the brothers began making military preparations. Although Farrukhsiyar initially considered giving the task of crushing the brothers to Mohammad Amin Khan (who wanted the position of prime minister in return), he decided against it because removing him would be difficult.{{sfn|Chandra|2007|p=478}}


Arriving at the Deccan, Syed Hussain made a treaty with [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] ruler [[Shahu I]] in February 1718. Shahu was allowed to collect ''[[sardeshmukhi]]'' in Deccan, and received the lands of [[Berar Subah|Berar]] and Gondwana to govern. In return, Shahu agreed to pay one million rupees annually and maintain an army of 15,000 horses for the Sayyids. This agreement was reached without Farrukhsiyar's approval,<ref>{{cite book|author1=Ram Sivasankaran|title=The Peshwa: The Lion and the Stallion|date=22 December 2015|publisher=Westland|isbn=978-93-85724-70-1|page=5}}</ref> and he was angry when he learned about it: "It was not proper for the vile enemy to be overbearing partners in matters of revenue and government."{{sfn|Chandra|2007|p=481}}
Arriving at the Deccan, Syed Hussain made a treaty with [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] ruler [[Shahu I]] in February 1718. Shahu was allowed to collect ''[[sardeshmukhi]]'' in Deccan, and received the lands of [[Berar Subah|Berar]] and Gondwana to govern. In return, Shahu agreed to pay one million rupees annually and maintain an army of 15,000 horses for the Sayyids. This agreement was reached without Farrukhsiyar's approval,&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|author1=Ram Sivasankaran|title=The Peshwa: The Lion and the Stallion|date=22 December 2015|publisher=Westland|isbn=978-93-85724-70-1|page=5}}&lt;/ref&gt; and he was angry when he learned about it: "It was not proper for the vile enemy to be overbearing partners in matters of revenue and government."{{sfn|Chandra|2007|p=481}}


=== State of the Mughal Empire ===
=== State of the Mughal Empire ===
==== Appointments ====
==== Appointments ====
Farrukhsiyar appointed Sayid Abdullah Khan as chief minister and placed Muhammad Baqir Mutamid Khan in charge of the [[Exchequer]]. The title of ''[[bakshi]]'' was first conferred on [[Sayyid brothers|Hussain Ali Khan]] (with the titles of Umdat-ul-Mulk, Amir-ul-umara and Bahadur Firuz Jung) and then to [[Chin Qilich Khan]] and Afrasayab Khan Bahadur.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=258}}
Farrukhsiyar appointed Sayid Abdullah Khan as chief minister and placed Muhammad Baqir Mutamid Khan in charge of the [[Exchequer]]. The title of ''[[Bakhshi (Mughal Empire)|bakshi]]'' was first conferred on [[Sayyid brothers|Hussain Ali Khan]] (with the titles of Umdat-ul-Mulk, Amir-ul-umara and Bahadur Firuz Jung) and then to [[Chin Qilich Khan]] and Afrasayab Khan Bahadur.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=258}}


The following were governors of the provinces; the governor of [[South India]] was Chin Qilich Khan, who appointed deputy governors:{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=261}}{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=262}}{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=263}}
The following were governors of the provinces; the governor of [[South India]] was Chin Qilich Khan, who appointed deputy governors:{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=261}}{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=262}}{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=263}}
Line 125: Line 119:
! colspan="2" |South India
! colspan="2" |South India
|-
|-
! Province !! Governor/Chief Minister !! Province !! Deputy governor
! Province !! Governor/Chief Minister !! Province !! Deputy governor
|-
|-
| [[Agra Subah|Agra]] || [[Khan Dowran VII|Shams ud Daula Shah Khan-i Dauran]] || [[Berar Subah|Berar]] || Iwaz Khan
| [[Agra Subah|Agra]] || [[Khan Dowran VII|Shams ud Daula Shah Khan-i Dauran]] || [[Berar Subah|Berar]] || [[Khwaja Kamal|Iwaz Khan]]
|-
|-
| [[Ajmer Subah|Ajmer]] || Syed Muzaffar Khan Barha || [[Bidar district|Bidar]] ||Amin Khan
| [[Ajmer Subah|Ajmer]] || Syed Muzaffar Khan Barha || [[Bidar district|Bidar]] ||Amin Khan
Line 133: Line 127:
| [[Allahabad district|Allahabad]] || Khan Jahan Barha || [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur]] ||Mansur Khan
| [[Allahabad district|Allahabad]] || Khan Jahan Barha || [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur]] ||Mansur Khan
|-
|-
| [[Awadh]] || [[Muhammad Muradyab Khan (Nawab Sarbuland Khan)|Sarbuland Khan]] ||[[Burhanpur district|Burhanpur]] || Shukrullah Khan
| [[Awadh Subah|Awadh]] || [[Muhammad Muradyab Khan (Nawab Sarbuland Khan)|Sarbuland Khan]] ||[[Khandesh Subah|Khandesh]] || Shukrullah Khan
|-
|-
| [[Bengal Subah|Bengal]] || Farkhunda Bakht || [[Hyderabad district, India|Hyderabad]] || Yusuf Khan
| [[Bengal Subah|Bengal]] || Farkhunda Bakht || [[Hyderabad district, India|Hyderabad]] || Yusuf Khan
|-
|-
| [[Bihar]] || [[Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan Barha]] || [[Karnataka]] || [[Saadatullah Khan I|Saadatullah Khan Nawayath]]
| [[Bihar Subah|Bihar]] || [[Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan Barha]] || [[Carnatic Subah|Carnatic]] || [[Saadatullah Khan I|Saadatullah Khan Nawayath]]
|-
|-
| [[Delhi]] || Muhammad Yar Khan
| [[Delhi]] || Muhammad Yar Khan
Line 143: Line 137:
| [[Gujarat Subah|Gujarat]] || Shahamat Khan
| [[Gujarat Subah|Gujarat]] || Shahamat Khan
|-
|-
| [[Kabul Province|Kabul]] || Bahadur Nasir Jang
| [[Kabul Province|Kabul]] || Bahadur Nasir Jang
|-
|-
| [[Kashmir]] || Saadat Khan
| [[Kashmir Subah|Kashmir]] || Saadat Khan
|-
|-
| [[Subah of Lahore|Lahore]] || [[Abd al-Samad Khan]]
| [[Subah of Lahore|Lahore]] || [[Abd al-Samad Khan]]
Line 158: Line 152:
== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
=== Family ===
=== Family ===
Farrukhsiyar's first wife was Fakhr-Un-Nissa Begum, also known as Gauhar-Un-Nissa, the daughter of Mir Muhammad Taqi (known as Hasan Khan and then Sadat Khan). Taqi, from the Persian province of [[Mazandaran]], married the daughter of Masum Khan Safawi; if she was the mother of Fakhr-un-nissa, this would account for her daughter's selection as the prince's wife.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=400-1}}
Farrukhsiyar's first wife was Fakhr-Un-Nissa Begum, also known as Gauhar-Un-Nissa, the daughter of Mir Muhammad Taqi (known as Hasan Khan and then Sadat Khan). Taqi, from the Persian province of [[Mazandaran]], married the daughter of Masum Khan Safawi; if she was the mother of Fakhr-un-nissa, this would account for her daughter's selection as the prince's wife.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|pp=400–401}}


His second wife was Bai [[Indira Kanwar]], the daughter of Maharajah Ajit Singh. {{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=400}} She married Farrukhsiyar on 27 September 1715, during the fourth year of his reign, and they had no children. After Farrukhsiyar's deposition and death she left the imperial harem on 16 July 1719, she returned to her father with her property and lived her remaining years in Jodhpur.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=401}}
His second wife was Bai [[Indira Kanwar]], the daughter of Maharajah Ajit Singh.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=400}} She married Farrukhsiyar on 27 September 1715, during the fourth year of his reign, and they had no children. After Farrukhsiyar's deposition and death she left the imperial harem on 16 July 1719, she returned to her father with her property and lived her remaining years in Jodhpur.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=401}}


Farrukhsiyar's third wife was Bai Bhup Devi, daughter of Jaya Singh (the Raja of [[Kishtwar]], who had converted to Islam and received the name of Bakhtiyar Khan). After Jaya Singh's death he was succeeded by his son, Kirat Singh. In 1717, in response to a message from the [[Mufti]] of [[Delhi]], her brother Kirat Singh sent her to Delhi with her brother Mian Muhammad Khan. Farrukhsiyar married her, and she entered the imperial harem on 3 July 1717.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=401}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Proceedings – Punjab History Conference – Volumes 29-30|publisher=Punjabi University|year=1998|page=85}}</ref>
Farrukhsiyar's third wife was Bai Bhup Devi, daughter of Jaya Singh (the Raja of [[Kishtwar]], who had converted to Islam and received the name of Bakhtiyar Khan). After Jaya Singh's death he was succeeded by his son, Kirat Singh. In 1717, in response to a message from the [[Mufti]] of [[Delhi]], her brother Kirat Singh sent her to Delhi with her brother Mian Muhammad Khan. Farrukhsiyar married her, and she entered the imperial harem on 3 July 1717.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=401}}&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|title=Proceedings – Punjab History Conference – Volumes 29-30|publisher=Punjabi University|year=1998|page=85}}&lt;/ref&gt;


=== Titles ===
=== Titles ===
His full name was Abul Muzaffer Muinuddin Muhammad Farrukhsiyar Badshah.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=398}}
His full name was Abul Muzaffer Muinuddin Muhammad Farrukhsiyar Badshah.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=398}}
Posthumously, he was known as ''"Shahid-i-marhum"'' (the martyr received with mercy).{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=399}}{{Multiple image
Posthumously, he was known as ''"Shahid-i-marhum"'' (the martyr received with mercy).{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=399}}
 
=== Coinage ===
{{Multiple image
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|alt2=Two sides of a gold coin
|alt2=Two sides of a gold coin
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=== Coinage ===
On coins issued during Farrukhsiyar's reign, the following phrase was inscribed: ''"Sikka zad az fazl-i-Haq bar sim o zar/ Padshah-i-bahr-o-bar Farrukhsiyar"'' (By the grace of the true God, struck on silver and gold, the emperor of land and sea, Farrukhsiyar).{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=399}}
On coins issued during Farrukhsiyar's reign, the following phrase was inscribed: ''"Sikka zad az fazl-i-Haq bar sim o zar/ Padshah-i-bahr-o-bar Farrukhsiyar"'' (By the grace of the true God, struck on silver and gold, the emperor of land and sea, Farrukhsiyar).{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=399}}
There are 116 coins from his reign on display at the [[Lahore Museum]] and the [[Indian Museum]] in [[Kolkata]]. The coins were minted in [[Kabul]], [[Kashmir]], [[Ajmer]], [[Allahabad]], [[Bidar]] and [[Berar Subah|Berar]].{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=399}}
There are 116 coins from his reign on display at the [[Lahore Museum]] and the [[Indian Museum]] in [[Kolkata]]. The coins were minted in [[Kabul]], [[Kashmir]], [[Ajmer]], [[Allahabad]], [[Bidar]] and [[Berar Subah|Berar]].{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=399}}
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== Deposition and death ==
== Deposition and death ==
[[File:Portret van de grootmogol Farrukhsiyar, RP-T-1996-76.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Portret van de grootmogol Farrukhsiyar, RP-T-1996-76.jpg|thumb]]
With the help of [[Ajit Singh of Marwar|Ajit Singh]] and Marathas, Farrukhsiyar was blinded, imprisoned and then executed by the Sayyid Brothers in 1719.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=390}}<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hdmcAAAAQBAJ&dq=ajit+singh+1719&pg=PA186|publisher=Britannica Educational Publishing|page=186|author=Kenneth Pletcher| date=April 2010 |isbn=978-1615302017}}</ref> Upon his death, Ajit Singh reclaimed his widowed daughter along with dowry and returned to Jodhpur.<ref>{{cite book|isbn=9789004300569|title=Royal Umbrellas of Stone: Memory, Politics, and Public Identity in Rajput Funerary Art|page=176|author=Melia Belli Bose|year=2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6dR0CgAAQBAJ&dq=Ajit+Singh+killed+farrukhsiyar&pg=PA176|publisher=Brill}}</ref>
In the middle of 1718, a serious conflict broke out at the Mughal court. The emperor and his top minister had been at odds for a long time, but tensions grew when the emperor broke an earlier agreement by appointing new officials in the Deccan region. In response, the minister canceled these appointments. Furious, the emperor tried and failed to eliminate the minister, Abdullah Khan, which led to a gathering of powerful nobles and troops against him. Soon, the emperor found himself with only a small force of Rajput soldiers by the side of Jai Singh Kachhwaha.&lt;ref name="Eaton Persianate Age"&gt;{{Cite book |last1=Eaton |first1=Richard M. |title=India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765 |year=2020 |publisher=National Geographic Books |isbn=978-0-14-198539-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WpCMEAAAQBAJ |language=en |pages=344–346}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name="Chandra Parties and Politics"&gt;{{cite book |last1=Chandra |first1=Satish |title=Parties and Politics at the Mughal Court (1707–1740) |year=1972 |publisher=People’s Publishing House |location=New Delhi |pages=139–141}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name="Richards Mughal Empire"&gt;{{harvnb|Richards|1995|pp=170–174}}&lt;/ref&gt; Abdullah Khan then called on his brother, Husain Ali Khan, to bring reinforcements from the Deccan. In October, Husain Ali Khan marched north with a large force of cavalry, infantry armed with matchlocks, and artillery. He was joined by [[Balaji Vishwanath]], a Maratha chief minister, who added Maratha horsemen to the army. Although they claimed they were coming to negotiate an exchange of important hostages, their real purpose was to show that the emperor could be replaced with another who would be easier to control.&lt;ref name="Chandra Parties and Politics"/&gt;&lt;ref name="Eaton Persianate Age"/&gt; In February 1719, Husain Ali Khan made a dramatic entrance into Delhi, ignoring the formal court rules. Under pressure, the emperor, Farrukhsiyar, removed several key officials, including [[Jai Singh II]]. When the emperor refused to give up control of the palace fortress, an angry confrontation took place in the court. Abdullah Khan eventually removed the emperor's guards and seized control of the palace.&lt;ref name="Chandra Parties and Politics"/&gt;&lt;ref name="Richards Mughal Empire"/&gt;&lt;ref name="Eaton Persianate Age"/&gt;
 
As news spread through the city, Farrukhsiyar was forced to hide in the women's quarters. The next day, loyal commanders gathered to march on the palace, but they clashed with Husain Ali Khan's [[Marathi people|Maratha]] forces. Seeing that they could not simply install one of their own, the powerful [[Sayyid brothers]] chose to replace the emperor with a young and manageable prince. After a failed attempt to capture Prince Bidar Dil, they crowned Prince Rafi-ud-darjat as the new ruler. Later that night, Farrukhsiyar was captured, blinded, and eventually killed in prison.{{sfn|Irvine|2006|p=390}}&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|title=The History of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hdmcAAAAQBAJ&amp;dq=ajit+singh+1719&amp;pg=PA186|publisher=Britannica Educational Publishing|page=186|author=Kenneth Pletcher| date=April 2010 |isbn=978-1615302017}}&lt;/ref&gt; Upon his death, Ajit Singh reclaimed his widowed daughter along with dowry and returned to [[Jodhpur]].&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|isbn=9789004300569|title=Royal Umbrellas of Stone: Memory, Politics, and Public Identity in Rajput Funerary Art|page=176|author=Melia Belli Bose|year=2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6dR0CgAAQBAJ&amp;dq=Ajit+Singh+killed+farrukhsiyar&amp;pg=PA176|publisher=Brill}}&lt;/ref&gt;


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
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== References ==
== References ==
<references />
&lt;references /&gt;


== Bibliography ==
== Bibliography ==
 
{{Commons category}}
* {{cite journal|author=Asiatic Society of Bengal|authorlink1=The Asiatic Society|journal=Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal|volume=47|date=18 August 2009|publisher=Bishop's College Press|ref={{sfnref|Asiatic Society of Bengal|2009}} }}
* {{cite journal |title=The Bangash Nawabs of Fakkuhkabad |journal=[[The Asiatic Society|Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal]] |volume=47 |date=18 August 2009 |publisher=Bishop's College Press|ref={{sfnref|Asiatic Society of Bengal|2009}} }}
* {{citation|first=Satish|last= Chandra|author-link=Satish Chandra|title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughal Empire|date= July 2007|publisher=Har Anand Publications Pvt Ltd.|isbn=978-81-241-1269-4}}
* {{citation|first=Satish|last= Chandra|author-link=Satish Chandra (historian)|title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughal Empire|date= July 2007|publisher=Har Anand Publications Pvt Ltd.|isbn=978-81-241-1269-4}}
* {{citation|title=The Later Mughals|author-link=William Irvine (historian)|first=William|last=Irvine|year=2006 |isbn=81-7536-406-8|publisher=Low Price Publications}}
* {{citation|title=The Later Mughals|author-link=William Irvine (historian)|first=William|last=Irvine|year=2006 |isbn=81-7536-406-8|publisher=Low Price Publications}}
* {{citation|first=Michael H. |last=Fisher|title=A Short History of the Mughal Empire|date=1 October 2015|publisher=I.B.Tauris|isbn=978-0-85772-976-7|ref={{harvid|Fisher}} }}
* {{citation|first=Michael H. |last=Fisher|title=A Short History of the Mughal Empire|date=1 October 2015|publisher=I.B.Tauris|isbn=978-0-85772-976-7|ref={{harvid|Fisher}} }}
* {{citation|first=John F.|last=Richards|author-link=John F. Richards|url=https://archive.org/details/the-new-cambridge-history-of-india-volume-1-part-5|title=The New Cambridge History of India: Part I, Volume V - The Mughal Empire|year=1995|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|isbn=9780521566032}}
* {{citation|first=John F.|last=Richards|author-link=John F. Richards|url=https://archive.org/details/the-new-cambridge-history-of-india-volume-1-part-5|title=The New Cambridge History of India: Part I, Volume V - The Mughal Empire|year=1995|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|isbn=9780521566032}}
* {{citation|first=H.S.|last= Singha|title=Sikh Studies, Book 6|date=1 January 2005|publisher=Hemkunt Press|isbn=978-81-7010-258-8|ref={{harvid|Singha}} }}
* {{citation|first=H.S.|last= Singha|title=Sikh Studies, Book 6|date=1 January 2005|publisher=Hemkunt Press|isbn=978-81-7010-258-8|ref={{harvid|Singha}} }}


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
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{{Mughal Empire}}
{{Mughal Empire}}


[[Category:Mughal emperors]]
[[Category:Emperors of the Mughal Empire]]
[[Category:Murdered Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:Murdered Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:1683 births]]
[[Category:1683 births]]
[[Category:1719 deaths]]
[[Category:1719 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Aurangabad, Maharashtra]]
[[Category:People from Aurangabad]]
[[Category:People from Marathwada]]
[[Category:People from Marathwada]]
[[Category:18th-century murdered monarchs]]  
[[Category:18th-century murdered monarchs]]
[[Category:1719 in India]]
[[Category:People murdered in 1719]]
[[Category:1719 murders in Asia]]
[[Category:18th-century murders in India]]
[[Category:18th-century murders in India]]
[[Category:18th-century Mughal Empire people]]

Revision as of 19:35, 20 March 2026


Farrukhsiyar<br/> فرخ‌سیار
Emperor Farrukhsiyar holding a jewel c. 1717
Mughal Emperor
Reign11 January 1713 – 28 February 1719
PredecessorJahāndār Shāh
SuccessorRafī-ud-Darajāt
Born(1683-08-20)20 August 1683
Aurangabad, Ahmadnagar Subah, Mughal Empire
Died9 April 1719(1719-04-09) (aged 35)
Shahjahanabad, Delhi, Mughal Empire
Burial
Spouse
Issue
Names
Mirza Abu'l Muzaffar Muīn-ud-dīn Muhammad Shāh Farrukhsiyar Alim Akbar Sāni Wālā Shāh Pādshāh-i-bahr-u-bar
Posthumous name
Shahid-i-Marhum (Template:Literal)
HouseMughal Dynasty
DynastyTimurid Dynasty
FatherAzīm-ush-Shān
MotherSahiba Niswan
ReligionSunni Islam (Hanafi)
Military career
Battles/wars

Farrukhsiyar (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., fa; 20 August 1683 – 9 April 1719), also spelled as Farrukh Siyar, was the tenth Mughal Emperor from 1713 to 1719. He rose to the throne after deposing his uncle Jahandar Shah.<ref name="sen2">Sen, Sailendra (2013). A Textbook of Medieval Indian History. Primus Books. p. 193. ISBN 978-93-80607-34-4.</ref> He was an emperor only in name, with all effective power in the hands of the two courtiers, Sayyid brothers.<ref>Sanjay Subrahmanyam (2017). Europe's India. Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780674977556.</ref>

Early life

Muhammad Farrukhsiyar was born on 20 August 1683 (9th Ramzan 1094 AH) in the city of Aurangabad on the Deccan Plateau, to a Kashmiri mother, Sahiba Niswan.<ref name="Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal">Journal and Proceedings Volume 73, Parts 1-3. Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal. 1907. p. 306.</ref> He was the second son of Azim-ush-Shan, the grandson of emperor Bahadur Shah I and a great-grandson of emperor Aurangzeb.

In 1696, Farrukhsiyar accompanied his father on his campaign to Bengal. Aurangzeb recalled Azim-ush-Shan from Bengal in 1707 and instructed Farrukhsiyar to take charge of the province. Farrukhsiyar spent his early years governing Dhaka (in present-day Bangladesh) the capital city of Bengal Subah.[1]

In 1712 Azim-ush-Shan anticipated Bahadur Shah I's death and a struggle for power, and recalled Farrukhsiyar. He was marching past Azimabad (present-day Patna, Bihar, India) when he learned of the Mughal emperor's death. On 21 March, Farrukhsiyar proclaimed his father's accession to the throne, issued coinage in his name and ordered khutba (public prayer).[1] On 6 April, he learned of his father's defeat to an alliance orchestrated by Zulfiqar Khan Nusrat Jung between Jahandar Shah, and his younger brothers Rafi-us-Shan and Jahan Shah. Although the prince considered suicide, he was dissuaded by his friends from Bengal.[2]

Deposing Jahandar Shah

A seated Farrukhsiyar, with an attendant behind him, receives Hussain Ali Khan
Farrukhsiyar receiving Hussain Ali Khan, c. 1715

In 1712, Jahandar Shah (Farrukhsiyar's uncle) ascended the throne of the Mughal Empire by defeating Farrukhsiyar's father, Azim-ush-Shan. Farrukhsiyar wanted revenge for his father's death and was joined by Hussain Ali Khan (the subahdar of Bengal) and Abdullah Khan, his brother and the subahdar of Allahabad.[3]

When they reached Allahabad from Azimabad, Jahandar Shah's military general Syed Abdul Ghaffar Khan Gardezi and 12,000 troops clashed with Abdullah Khan, resulting in Abdullah retreating to the Allahabad Fort. However, Gardezi's army fled when they learned about his death. After the defeat, Jahandar Shah sent general Khwaja Ahsan Khan and his son Aazuddin. When they reached Khajwah (present-day Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India), they learned that Farrukhsiyar was accompanied by Hussain Ali Khan and Abdullah Khan. With Abdullah Khan commanding the vanguard, Farrukhsiyar began the attack. After a night-long artillery fight, Aazuddin and Khwaja Ahsan Khan fled and the camp fell to Farrukhsiyar.[3]

On 10 January 1713, Farrukhsiyar and Jahandar Shah's forces met at Samugarh, 14 kilometres (9 mi) east of Agra in present-day Uttar Pradesh. Jahandar Shah was defeated and imprisoned, and the following day Farrukhsiyar proclaimed himself the Mughal emperor.[4] On 12 February, Farrukhsiyar marched to the Mughal capital of Delhi, capturing the Red Fort and the citadel. Jahandar Shah's head, mounted on a bamboo rod, was carried by an executioner on an elephant and his body was carried by another elephant.[5]

Reign

Hostility towards the Sayyid Brothers

Farrukh Siyar arrives at the Friday congregation in Delhi.
Silver Rupee struck in the name of Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar, minted in Itawa, AD 1714.

Farrukhsiyar defeated Jahandar Shah with the aid of the Sayyid brothers, and one of the brothers, Abdullah Khan, wanted the post of wazir (prime minister). His demand was rejected, since the post was promised to Ghaziuddin Khan, but Farrukhsiyar offered him a post as regent under the name of wakil-e-mutlaq. Abdullah Khan refused, saying that he deserved the post of wazir since he led Farrukhsiyar's army against Jahandar Shah. Farrukhsiyar ultimately gave in to his demand, and Abdullah Khan became wazir.<ref>Tazkirat ul-Mulk by Yahya Khan p.122</ref> His brother Hussain Ali Khan became the Mir Bakhshi or Commander-in-Chief.

According to historian William Irvine, Farrukhsiyar's close aides Mir Jumla III and Khan Dauran sowed seeds of suspicion in his mind that they might usurp him from the throne. Learning about these developments, the other Sayyid brother (Hussain Ali Khan) wrote to Abdullah Khan: "It was clear, from the Prince's talk and the nature of his acts, that he was a man who paid no regard to claims for service performed, one void of faith, a breaker of his word and altogether without shame".[6] Hussain Ali Khan felt it necessary to act in their interests "without regard to the plans of the new sovereign".[7] Farrukhsiyar could not confront them, as the Sayyid Brothers maintained control of the strongest part of the army, and thus the latter became de facto rulers of the empire.<ref>Michael Fischer (2015). A Short History of the Mughal Empire. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 212. ISBN 9780857727770.</ref>

Campaign against Ajmer

Maharaja Ajit Singh of Marwar captured Ajmer with the support of the Marwari nobles and expelled Mughal diplomats from his state. Farrukhsiyar sent Hussain Ali Khan to subjugate him. However, the anti-Sayyid brothers faction in the Mughal emperor's court compelled him to send secret letters to Ajit Singh assuring him of rewards if he defeated Hussain Ali Khan.<ref>The Cambridge Shorter history of India p.456</ref> Hussain Ali Khan left Delhi for Ajmer on 6 January 1714, accompanied by Sarbuland Khan and Afrasyab Khan. As his army reached Sarai Sahal, Ajit Singh sent diplomats who failed to negotiate a peace. As Hussain Ali Khan advanced to Ajmer via Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Merta, Ajit Singh retreated to the deserts hoping to dissuade the Mughal general from a battle. Ajit Singh surrendered at Merta.[8] As a result, Mughal authority was restored in Rajputana. Ajit Singh gave his second daughter, Kunwari Indira Kanwar, as a bride to Farrukhsiyar.[9] His son, Kunwar Abhai Singh, was compelled to accompany him to see the Mughal emperor his brother-in-law.[10]

Campaign against the Jats

Colourful painting of Farrukhsiyar on horseback, surrounded by three attendants on foot
Farrukhsiyar on horseback with attendants

Due to Aurangzeb's 25-year campaign on the Deccan Plateau, Mughal authority weakened in North India with the rise of local rulers. Taking advantage of the situation, the Jats advanced.[11] In early 1713, Farrukhsiyar unsuccessfully sent subahdar of Agra, Chabela Ram to defeat the Jat leader Churaman. However, his successor, Samsamud Daulah Khan, compelled Churaman to negotiate with the Mughal emperor. Raja Bahadur Rathore accompanied him to the Mughal court, where negotiations with Farrukhsiyar failed.[12]

In September 1716 Raja Jai Singh II undertook a campaign against Churaman, who lived in Thun (in present-day Rajasthan, India). By 19 November, Jai Singh II began besieging the Thun fort.[13] In December, Churaman's son, Muhkam Singh, marched from the fort and battled Jai Singh II; the Raja claimed victory. With the Mughals running out of ammunition, Syed Muzaffar Khan was ordered to bring gunpowder, rockets and mounds of lead from the arsenal at Agra.[14]

By January 1718, the siege had lasted for more than a year. With rain coming late in 1717, prices of commodities increased and Raja Jai Singh II found it difficult to continue the siege. He wrote to Farrukhsiyar for reinforcement, saying that he had overcome "many encounters" with the Jats. This failed to impress Farrukhsiyar, so Jai Singh II (via his agent in Delhi) informed Hussain Ali Khan that he would give three million rupees to the government and two million rupees to the minister if he championed his cause to the emperor. With negotiations between Hussain Ali Khan and Farrukhsiyar successful, he accepted his demands and dispatched Syed Khan Jahan to bring Churaman to the Mughal court. Farrukhsiyar issued a farman (royal decree) to Raja Jai Singh II, thanking him for the siege.[15]

On 19 April 1718, Churaman was presented to Farrukhsiyar; they negotiated for peace, with Churaman accepting Mughal authority. Khan Jahan was given the title of Bahadur ("brave"). It was decided that Churaman would pay five million rupees in cash and goods to Farrukhsiyar via Syed Abdullah.[16]

Campaign against the Sikhs

Banda Singh Bahadur was a Sikh leader who, by early 1710s, had captured parts of the Punjab region.<ref name="Banda">"Marathas and the English Company 1707–1800". San Beck. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2017.</ref> Mughal emperors Bahadur Shah I and Jahandar Shah failed to suppress Banda's uprising.[17]

In 1714, the Sirhind faujdar (garrison commander) Zainuddin Ahmad Khan attacked the Sikhs near Ropar. In 1715, Farrukhisyar sent 20,000 troops under Qamaruddin Khan, Abdus Samad Khan and Zakariya Khan Bahadur to defeat Bahadur.<ref name="Banda" /> After an eight-month siege at Gurdaspur, Banda Singh Bahadur surrendered after he ran out of ammunition. Banda Singh Bahadur and his 200 companions were arrested and brought to Delhi; he was paraded around the city of Sirhind.[18]

Banda Singh Bahadur was put into an iron cage and the remaining Sikhs were chained.<ref>Duggal, Kartar (2001). Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The Last to Lay Arms. Abhinav Publications. p. 41. ISBN 9788170174103.</ref> They were pressured to give up their faith and become Muslims.<ref>Singh, Gurbaksh (1927). The Khalsa Generals. Canadian Sikh Study & Teaching Society. p. 12. ISBN 0969409249.</ref> Although the emperor promised to spare the Sikhs who converted to Islam, according to William Irvine "not one prisoner proved false to his faith". On their firm refusal all were ordered to be executed.<ref>Jawandha, Nahar (2010). Glimpses of Sikhism. Sanbun Publishers. p. 89. ISBN 9789380213255.</ref> The Sikhs were brought to Delhi in a procession with the 780 Sikh prisoners, 2,000 Sikh heads hung on spears, and 700 cartloads of heads of slaughtered Sikhs used to terrorise the population.<ref>Johar, Surinder (1987). Guru Gobind Singh. The University of Michigan: Enkay Publishers. p. 208. ISBN 9788185148045.</ref><ref>Sastri, Kallidaikurichi (1978). A Comprehensive History of India: 1712–1772. The University of Michigan: Orient Longmans. p. 245.</ref> When Farrukhsiyar's army reached the Red Fort, the Mughal emperor ordered Banda Singh Bahadur, Baj Singh, Fateh Singh and their companions to be imprisoned in Tripolia.[19] After three months of confinement,<ref>Singh, Ganda (1935). Life of Banda Singh Bahadur: Based on Contemporary and Original Records. Sikh History Research Department. p. 229.</ref> on 19 June 1716 Farrukhsiyar had Banda Singh Bahadur and his followers executed, despite the wealthy Khatris of Delhi offering money for his release.[20] Banda Singh Bahadur's eyes were gouged out, his limbs were severed, his skin removed, and then he was killed.<ref>Singh, Kulwant (2006). Sri Gur Panth Prakash: Episodes 1 to 81. Institute of Sikh Studies. p. 415. ISBN 9788185815282.</ref>

Campaign against rebels at the Indus River

Shah Inayat was the leader of poor peasants of Sindh who led a decisive movement against zamindars of Sindh and redistributed land among poor peasants and tillers. He was executed on the order of Farrukhsiyar in 1718.<ref>Ansari, Sarah F. D. (1992). Sufi saints and state power : the pirs of Sind, 1843-1947. Cambridge [England]: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-40530-0. OCLC 23694258.</ref><ref name=bio>Mohan Lal (1991). Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Sasay to Zorgot. Sahitya Akademi. p. 3941. ISBN 9788126012213.</ref>

Reimposition of Jizya

Farrukhsiyar gave power to a number of Kashmiri nobles such as Inayatullah Kashmiri, an old Alamgiri noble, and Muhammad Murad Kashmiri, who he was related to by marriage. This was because he needed a close party of supporters who were directly related to him in dealing with the Sayyid brothers.<ref>G. S. Cheema (2002). The Forgotten Mughals:A History of the Later Emperors of the House of Babar, 1707-1857. Manohar Publishers & Distributors. p. 142. ISBN 9788173044168.</ref><ref>A Study of Eighteenth Century India: Political history, 1707-1761. Saraswat Library. 1976.</ref><ref>Jagadish Narayan Sarkar (1976). A Study of Eighteenth Century India: Political history, 1707-1761. Saraswat Library.</ref><ref name="Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal"/> Inayatullah Khan was appointed the Diwan-i-Tan-o Khalisa, and the governor of Kashmir in 1717. He set fire to the Hindu area of Srinagar and forbade the Pandits from wearing turbans.<ref>Victoria Schofield (1996). Kashmir in Conflict:India, Pakistan and the Unending War. Bloomsbury Academic. p. 23. ISBN 9781860640360.</ref> Inayatullah Khan was further responsible for the re-imposition of Jizyah in the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb. Farrukhsiyar said to the Hindus:<ref>R.K. Gupta, S.R. Bakshi (2008). Rajasthan Through the Ages. Sarup & Sons. p. 174. ISBN 9788176258418.</ref>

"Inayatullah has placed before me a letter from the Sharif of Mecca urging that the collection of jizya is obligatory according to our Holy book. In a matter of faith, I am powerless to interfere."

Trade concession in Bengal

Painting of Farrukhsiyar smoking a hookah with a female attendant
Moonlit portrait of Farrukhsiyar smoking a hookah with a female attendant

In 1717, Farrukhsiyar issued a farman giving the British East India Company the right to reside and trade in the Mughal Empire. They were allowed to trade freely, except for a yearly payment of 3,000 rupees, in gratitude for William Hamilton, a surgeon associated with the company, curing Farrukhsiyar of a disease.<ref>Samaren Roy (May 2005). Calcutta: Society and Change 1690–1990. iUniverse. p. 29. ISBN 978-0-595-34230-3.</ref> The company was given the right to issue dastak (passes) for the movement of goods, which was misused by company officials for personal gain.<ref>Vipul Singh; Jasmine Dhillon; Gita Shanmugavel. History and Civics. Pearson India. p. 73. ISBN 978-81-317-6320-9.</ref> The farman allowed the British East India company to carry out duty-free trade in the province of Bengal. The improper use of dastaks for company officials' own private trade angered the Nawab of Bengal, Alivardi Khan, which eventually led to future conflicts of the Nawabs of Bengal with the British East India company.

Final struggle with the Sayyid Brothers

By 1715, Farrukhsiyar had given Mir Jumla III the power to sign documents on his behalf: "The word and seal of Mir Jumla are my word and seal". Mir Jumla III began approving proposals for jagirs and mansabs without consulting Syed Abdullah, the prime minister.[21] Syed Abdullah's deputy Ratan Chand accepted bribes for him to do work and was involved in revenue farming, which was forbidden by the Mughal emperor. Taking advantage of the situation, Mir Jumla III told Farrukhsiyar that the Sayyids were unfit to hold office and accused them of insubordination. Hoping to depose the brothers, Farrukhsiyar began making military preparations and increased the number of soldiers under Mir Jumla III and Khan Dauran.[22]

After Syed Hussain learned about Farrukhsiyar's plans, he felt that their position could be cemented by controlling "important provinces". He asked to be appointed viceroy of the Deccan, instead of Asaf Jah I; Farrukhsiyar refused, transferring him to the Deccan instead. Fearing attack by Farrukhsiyar's supporters, the brothers began making military preparations. Although Farrukhsiyar initially considered giving the task of crushing the brothers to Mohammad Amin Khan (who wanted the position of prime minister in return), he decided against it because removing him would be difficult.[23]

Arriving at the Deccan, Syed Hussain made a treaty with Maratha ruler Shahu I in February 1718. Shahu was allowed to collect sardeshmukhi in Deccan, and received the lands of Berar and Gondwana to govern. In return, Shahu agreed to pay one million rupees annually and maintain an army of 15,000 horses for the Sayyids. This agreement was reached without Farrukhsiyar's approval,<ref>Ram Sivasankaran (22 December 2015). The Peshwa: The Lion and the Stallion. Westland. p. 5. ISBN 978-93-85724-70-1.</ref> and he was angry when he learned about it: "It was not proper for the vile enemy to be overbearing partners in matters of revenue and government."[24]

State of the Mughal Empire

Appointments

Farrukhsiyar appointed Sayid Abdullah Khan as chief minister and placed Muhammad Baqir Mutamid Khan in charge of the Exchequer. The title of bakshi was first conferred on Hussain Ali Khan (with the titles of Umdat-ul-Mulk, Amir-ul-umara and Bahadur Firuz Jung) and then to Chin Qilich Khan and Afrasayab Khan Bahadur.[25]

The following were governors of the provinces; the governor of South India was Chin Qilich Khan, who appointed deputy governors:[26][27][28]

North India South India
Province Governor/Chief Minister Province Deputy governor
Agra Shams ud Daula Shah Khan-i Dauran Berar Iwaz Khan
Ajmer Syed Muzaffar Khan Barha Bidar Amin Khan
Allahabad Khan Jahan Barha Bijapur Mansur Khan
Awadh Sarbuland Khan Khandesh Shukrullah Khan
Bengal Farkhunda Bakht Hyderabad Yusuf Khan
Bihar Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan Barha Carnatic Saadatullah Khan Nawayath
Delhi Muhammad Yar Khan
Gujarat Shahamat Khan
Kabul Bahadur Nasir Jang
Kashmir Saadat Khan
Lahore Abd al-Samad Khan
Malwa Raja Jai Singh of Amber
Multan Qutb-ul-Mulk Barha
Orissa Murshid Quli Khan

Personal life

Family

Farrukhsiyar's first wife was Fakhr-Un-Nissa Begum, also known as Gauhar-Un-Nissa, the daughter of Mir Muhammad Taqi (known as Hasan Khan and then Sadat Khan). Taqi, from the Persian province of Mazandaran, married the daughter of Masum Khan Safawi; if she was the mother of Fakhr-un-nissa, this would account for her daughter's selection as the prince's wife.[29]

His second wife was Bai Indira Kanwar, the daughter of Maharajah Ajit Singh.[30] She married Farrukhsiyar on 27 September 1715, during the fourth year of his reign, and they had no children. After Farrukhsiyar's deposition and death she left the imperial harem on 16 July 1719, she returned to her father with her property and lived her remaining years in Jodhpur.[31]

Farrukhsiyar's third wife was Bai Bhup Devi, daughter of Jaya Singh (the Raja of Kishtwar, who had converted to Islam and received the name of Bakhtiyar Khan). After Jaya Singh's death he was succeeded by his son, Kirat Singh. In 1717, in response to a message from the Mufti of Delhi, her brother Kirat Singh sent her to Delhi with her brother Mian Muhammad Khan. Farrukhsiyar married her, and she entered the imperial harem on 3 July 1717.[31]<ref>Proceedings – Punjab History Conference – Volumes 29-30. Punjabi University. 1998. p. 85.</ref>

Titles

His full name was Abul Muzaffer Muinuddin Muhammad Farrukhsiyar Badshah.[32] Posthumously, he was known as "Shahid-i-marhum" (the martyr received with mercy).[33]

Coinage

Two sides of a silver coin
Two sides of a gold coin
Silver rupee and gold mohur from the reign of Farrukhsiyar

On coins issued during Farrukhsiyar's reign, the following phrase was inscribed: "Sikka zad az fazl-i-Haq bar sim o zar/ Padshah-i-bahr-o-bar Farrukhsiyar" (By the grace of the true God, struck on silver and gold, the emperor of land and sea, Farrukhsiyar).[33] There are 116 coins from his reign on display at the Lahore Museum and the Indian Museum in Kolkata. The coins were minted in Kabul, Kashmir, Ajmer, Allahabad, Bidar and Berar.[33]

Deposition and death

In the middle of 1718, a serious conflict broke out at the Mughal court. The emperor and his top minister had been at odds for a long time, but tensions grew when the emperor broke an earlier agreement by appointing new officials in the Deccan region. In response, the minister canceled these appointments. Furious, the emperor tried and failed to eliminate the minister, Abdullah Khan, which led to a gathering of powerful nobles and troops against him. Soon, the emperor found himself with only a small force of Rajput soldiers by the side of Jai Singh Kachhwaha.<ref name="Eaton Persianate Age">Eaton, Richard M. (2020). India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765. National Geographic Books. pp. 344–346. ISBN 978-0-14-198539-8.</ref><ref name="Chandra Parties and Politics">Chandra, Satish (1972). Parties and Politics at the Mughal Court (1707–1740). New Delhi: People’s Publishing House. pp. 139–141.</ref><ref name="Richards Mughal Empire">Richards 1995, pp. 170–174</ref> Abdullah Khan then called on his brother, Husain Ali Khan, to bring reinforcements from the Deccan. In October, Husain Ali Khan marched north with a large force of cavalry, infantry armed with matchlocks, and artillery. He was joined by Balaji Vishwanath, a Maratha chief minister, who added Maratha horsemen to the army. Although they claimed they were coming to negotiate an exchange of important hostages, their real purpose was to show that the emperor could be replaced with another who would be easier to control.<ref name="Chandra Parties and Politics"/><ref name="Eaton Persianate Age"/> In February 1719, Husain Ali Khan made a dramatic entrance into Delhi, ignoring the formal court rules. Under pressure, the emperor, Farrukhsiyar, removed several key officials, including Jai Singh II. When the emperor refused to give up control of the palace fortress, an angry confrontation took place in the court. Abdullah Khan eventually removed the emperor's guards and seized control of the palace.<ref name="Chandra Parties and Politics"/><ref name="Richards Mughal Empire"/><ref name="Eaton Persianate Age"/>

As news spread through the city, Farrukhsiyar was forced to hide in the women's quarters. The next day, loyal commanders gathered to march on the palace, but they clashed with Husain Ali Khan's Maratha forces. Seeing that they could not simply install one of their own, the powerful Sayyid brothers chose to replace the emperor with a young and manageable prince. After a failed attempt to capture Prince Bidar Dil, they crowned Prince Rafi-ud-darjat as the new ruler. Later that night, Farrukhsiyar was captured, blinded, and eventually killed in prison.[34]<ref>Kenneth Pletcher (April 2010). The History of India. Britannica Educational Publishing. p. 186. ISBN 978-1615302017.</ref> Upon his death, Ajit Singh reclaimed his widowed daughter along with dowry and returned to Jodhpur.<ref>Melia Belli Bose (2015). Royal Umbrellas of Stone: Memory, Politics, and Public Identity in Rajput Funerary Art. Brill. p. 176. ISBN 9789004300569.</ref>

Legacy

The town of Farrukhnagar in Gurgaon district, 32 kilometres (20 mi) south of Delhi, was named for him. During his reign, he built a Sheesh Mahal (palace) and a Jama Masjid (mosque) there.

The town of Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh was also named after him.

References

<references />

Bibliography

Farrukhsiyar
Preceded by
Jahandar Shah
Mughal Emperor
1713–1719
Succeeded by
Rafi Ul-Darjat


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