DĀRĀ SHIKŌH, MUḤAMMAD. (According to some sources, Dara Shukōh.) Sultan Muḥammad Dārā Shikōh (AH 1024–1069/1615–1659 CE), the eldest son of the Mughal emperor Shāhjahān and Mumtāz Maḥal, was born in the city of Ajmer. Dārā's political career began in 1634, when he was given the first manşab (rank) in command of 1,200 dhāt (soldiers) and 6,000 sawār (horsemen). By 1657 the number of troops under Dārā's command had reached 100,000. Moreover, later in the same year, due to the illness of his father, Dārā was appointed as regent to look after the affairs of the empire.

Dārā was not a successful warrior, however. His three expeditions against the Persian army, in 1639, 1642, and...