Akbar's Heir : Battle of Succession - Salim, Murad, Danial, Khusrau

Akbar and His Chosen Heir:
A Battle of Succession - Salim, Murad, Daniyal & Khusrau..

Before we start with this post, here's a tricky statement :
" Akbar wanted to make Salim the Emperor, but he preferred Daniyal for the throne, and groomed Khusrau for it! "

Now, what do you make out of this statement? Actually, it is not such a confounding statement, after all. This statement was true at different time periods in the life of Akbar.

By now, you might have understood what this post is about. It's all about who Akbar wanted to succeed him as the next Emperor. We know that Salim eventually received the royal robe from Akbar on his death-bed. But during his lifetime, Akbar kept changing his mind with time and circumstances and, at various times, preferred his other sons and even a grandson over Salim as his heir apparent. Just why this was so and who among all his sons and grandsons was Akbar's favorite can be inferred from this post.

Post is by Radhika. I found this a concise and to the point compilation of the various events relating to the succession to Mughal throne.

It also contains portraits of Akbar, Khusrau, Salim, Danial, etc..

Link :
Akbar-Heir-Battle-Salim-Murad-Daniyal-Khusrau


Highlights of the Post:

1.
Murad Leads the Imperial Army at the age of 12!

2.
Mirza Hakim's Sons Imprisoned to Keep Them Out of the Race for the Mughal Throne

3.
Akbar and His Sons - Initially A Close Relationship...

4.
Akbar Falls Sick; Salim Mobilises Support for the Throne...
Salim plans his first move at the age of 22.
This is a lesser known fact.

5.
Beginning of Revolt by Salim / Murad...

6.
Murad's 'Passive' Rebellion...

7.
Salim Starts Asserting His Power; Akbar Decides to Clip His Wings...

8.
Khusrau - 'The Favorite' , the Grandson is Groomed as the Next Heir

9.
Salim Sent Away from the Imperial Court;
Daniyal Allowed to Use Red Tents.

This was mentioned in an old post also:
Link : Khusrau-Unfortunate-Mughal-Prince-Struggle-For-Power-Part-1

10.
Khurram - The Dark Horse

Link :
Akbar-Heir-Battle-Salim-Murad-Daniyal-Khusrau

Salim's rebellion was a part of his long-term effort to force Akbar to make political concessions and declare him the next Emperor.

On the other hand, elevation of Khusrau was also a long-term effort of Akbar to contain Salim. In the end, Salim's tactics failed, as Akbar had made up his mind to appoint as the heir apparent, first Daniyal and then later Khusrau.

It is worth noting here that Salim was a master politician, quite shrewd and astute, contrary to the common image of being a "soft-hearted, romantic and tragic figure". Note that he emerged victorious in the end despite so many obstacles.

He planned his moves very carefully as can be seen. (Another dedicated post will examine the rebellion of Salim and the astute moves he made to ascend the throne.)

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