Adam Khan Gakhar
Adam Khan Gakhar | |
|---|---|
| Adam Khan captured by the Mughals, detail from a 1589 painting | |
| Years active | 1541–1562 |
| Predecessor | Sarang Khan Gakhar |
| Successor | Kamal Khan Gakhar |
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Sultan Adam Khan was the chief of the Gakhar clan who succeeded his brother Sarang Khan after the death of the latter in 1541. Like Sarang Khan, he continued his resistance to the Sur dynasty and later aided Mughals under Humayun in 1553 to retake their throne.[1]
Background
[edit ]The Gakhars were an influential tribe along the Salt Range in northern Punjab. Since the time of Babur, they had been allied to Mughals. Adam Khan, accompanied by a Gakhar force, attended the Mughal emperor Babur in Delhi who confirmed them to their position. After Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri, Gakhar chief Sarang Khan refused to recognise the change in power. Enraged, Sher Shah invaded northern Punjab, killed Sarang Khan and his sons, and ordered construction of Rohtas Fort to suppress the tribe. However, Surs never managed to fully subjugate Gakhars and struggle between two continued during times of Islam Shah as well.[2]
Tenure
[edit ]In September 1553, Adam Khan captured Mirza Kamran while he was attempting to flee, and surrendered him to Humayun, receiving reward for doing so.[3] During the reign of Akbar, an imperial order divided territories in Adam Khan's possession, assigning a share to Kamal Khan. Adam Khan resisted and was subdued by a royal force; he was captured, his son fled toward Kashmir but was later taken, and the territory was transferred to Kamal Khan. The Mughal policy was probably aimed at weakening Gakhars through rivalry.[citation needed ] After his defeat, Adam Khan was put to death by Kamal Khan.[4] [page needed ]
References
[edit ]- ^ Majumdar, Ramesh Chandra (1951). The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Mughal empire. G. Allen & Unwin. pp. 61, 62, 114.
- ^ Roy, Nirod Bhushan (1934). The Successors of Sher Shah. S. A. Gunny. pp. 19–21.
- ^ Smith, Vincent Arthur (1958). Akbar the Great Mogul 1542-1605. S. Chand. p. 19.
- ^ Caroe, Olaf; Caroe, Sir Olaf (1962). The Pathans, 550 B.C. - A.D. 1957. Macmillan.