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Tales from the royal life of Mughals have been fascinating us for a long time. Be it Akbar’s popularity or Aurangzeb’s cruelty, these are not just topics of discussion but topics of intense debates. But one personality that intrigues us the most is Sipihr Shikoh, the son of Crown Prince Dara Shikoh.
Born on 13th October 1644
The sound of his ragged breath and increasing heartbeat rang continuously in the air. After getting defeated at the hands of Aurangzeb and Murad, Dara was in no condition to face his father. The Battle of Samugarh was a huge defeat for him, but he had to travel to Delhi via Lahore. It was his duty to save his countrymen from the cruel hands of his tyrant brother, Aurangzeb. With every passing minute, his energy was draining out of his body.
Deciding to take a rest for some time, he got off his horse and sat under a tree. Taking a huge sigh of relief upon feeling the cool shade of the tree, he went back to those days when all he, Aurangzeb, Jahan, and Roshan would play together in the palace with their father running after them to catch their little bodies. A soft smile graced his lips. He could hear his mother’s sweet laughter echoing in the palace. How was this fair? How did such a lovely family of his become sworn enemies of each other? He would have given up the throne if Aurangzeb asked for it, but being blood-brothers, why did they have to fight against each other?
Just as his smile was fading away into nothingness, yet another memory came rushing into his mind. It was only because of his mother’s wish that he could meet his love, Princess Nadira Banu Begum. She was as beautiful as the morning rays and as gentle as the evening breeze. His marriage was no simple affair. Shah Jahan made sure that his son’s marriage was done with great pomp and show. The relation between Nadira and Dara was so strong, they remained devoted to each other. Though Dara was a Muslim and could engage in several relations, he never left Nadira’s side.
The couple was soon blessed with seven children, out of which, two were sons whom they named Sulaiman Shikoh and Sipihr Shikoh. Spending time with them was never boring as they always kept him engaged with their intriguing questions. Out of all his children, Sipihr was his favourite. Dara taught him sword fighting and other fighting skills that were necessary for him. Growing up, he would always look up to his father and try to act like him.
Today when he saw his son fight bravely in the Battle of Samugarh, he understood that he had the essential skills that every warrior should possess. Alongside Dara’s general Rustam Khan Dakhini, Sipihr led the cavalry against Aurangzeb’s artillery.
Little did Dara know what the future was awaiting him. When he was fighting in the battle of Deoraj, luck left his side forever and he along with his son, Sipihr was captured by Aurangzeb. When they were kept in jail, four assassins entered and snatched Sipihr from Dara. It was in front of Shikoh that Dara was beheaded. Traumatised for life on seeing his father falling lifeless on the ground, Sipihr became a silent man who could never forget those horrifying nightmares.
Today his tomb lies in Agra Fort, which was buried by Emperor Bahadur Shah. A story unfinished, a legacy unknown, and a rule dethroned, Sipihr’s tale remains a mystery forever.
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