Posted:
I see many discussions on Bairam Khan.
I think the idea that BK was using Akbar for power is completely wrong.
Why?
BK became his foster father and protector when Humayun was not even an emperor, Humayun was a vagabond and Akbar a child running here-there to save from his fathers enemy.
Now think of this which man shall protect and save a child risking his life again and again when that child's father is not even an emperor, who has lost all lands, who may never become king forget emperor again. In 21st century almost none, in 16th century definitely none. You must have read of so many betrayals, sons killing father for throne, brother killing brother, uncle killing nephews, father killing son(aurangzeb-akbar II) in those times for throne.
In such a situation here was a Bairam Khan- commander of Persian army(yes he was a commander of shah of persia) who came with Humayun from Persia to rescue a baby Akbar and Bakshi Bano from their uncles Askari and Kamran. The battles were stretched for months and years and fought many times, many army returned back in frustration not Bairam Khan. Why? He could have just gone back to Persia and enjoyed a peaceful life. But no he stayed back, fought for Humayun, protected Akbar, risked his life again and again not for any personal gain. At that point of time Sher Shah and his family was firmly on Delhi saddle, no way Humayun could ever dream of becoming a emperor. Humayun was only king of kabul that too with threats from uzbek, delhi etc. At this time it was only Bairam Khan who stayed loyal and stick by Humayun. Not out of any personal gain etc.
In the battles Humayun saved Bairam Khan life risking his own, off field BK became a second father to Akbar. Humayun who was busy in siyasaat, BK became a father, a teacher, a guide, a protector of Akbar. If not for BK Akbar would have got killed long back by someone either his relatives like Abul Mali, Sharifuddin, Mah chu chuk or Maham, Adham, some nobel etc or his enemy. The only thing that stood between Akbar and his death was always Bairam Khan after his father's death.
So Bairam Khan was not at all this egoistic, greedy for power guy that all think he was. BK truly loved Akbar like an own son. BK had many wives but he was so busy trying to protect first Humayun then Akbar and help build mughal emperor that he had a child in his 50s. And BK's son Rahim's mother was a direct descendant of Lord Krishna. So BK was not even a religious fanatic as potrayed. Akbar just followed BK by marrying Jodha a rajputh.
BK-Akbar fight was more of a father-son ego issue. It was majorly created by Maham anga. Maham anga sowed the seed of suspicion in Akbar mind that BK was getting too powerful, that BK was eyeing the throne etc and she created circumstances that made Akbar believe that BK was turning into a betrayer. Maham and quiet a few nobels were involved in filling Akbar's ears against BK. And BK too held on to his ego and refused to speak to Akbar or see the tricks played. This led to a confrontation and BK finally lost and was sent off to Mecca. But i never read anywhere BK tried killing Akbar or wanting to rule himself.
According to me BK Akbar fight was a father-son fight, a generation fight, a fight between BK and Maham on who really ruled Akbar's mind and Maham won here. If BK was in agra no way adham would dare kill atagah or try to attack Akbar. Indeed Akbar wanted to be free(like all sons after a certain age want too when they start earning) and BK never realized that, he thought Akbar was still a child to be hand held and when Akbar rebelled BK did what majority fathers do, get angry threaten etc but then gave up his power to his son Akbar. Akbar too played along with Maham and other nobels as he wanted to be free. This was the real history story.
So i totally disagree that BK ever wanted the throne or became too big for his shoes.
But the serial is simplifying this and making BK greedy for power, maham the instigator and Akbar a loyal son who never wanted Khan baba to leave etc.
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
