Rafi ud-Darajat
Mirza Rafi ud-Darajat sat on the Mughal throne in 1719 as a figurehead for two powerful brothers. Sayyid Hassan Ali Khan Barha and Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan Barha had deposed emperor Farrukhsiyar with the help of Maharaja Ajit Singh and Balaji Vishwanath. These men made themselves badishahgar or kingmakers within the empire. The young man owed his entire position to their military intervention. He could not rule without their permission or approval. His reign began under the shadow of these powerful commanders who controlled the army.
Rafi ud-Darajat returned a favor by granting Chauth and Sardeshmukhi rights to the Marathas. This agreement covered six Mughal provinces across the empire. The condition required that Mughal officials collected these taxes and then handed them over to the Maratha leaders. Balaji Vishwanath had helped install the new emperor through this arrangement. The financial burden shifted from imperial coffers to external powers. This concession marked a significant loss of revenue for the central government.
On the 18th of May 1719, less than three months after accession, Rafi ud-Darajat's uncle Nekusiyar claimed the throne. He assumed power at Agra Fort believing he was more eligible for the post. The Sayyid brothers moved quickly to defend the emperor they had raised. They retook the fort within three months and captured Nekusiyar. The Amir ul-Umara received him respectfully before confining him at Salimgarh Fort. Nekusiyar died there in 1723 while still imprisoned.
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Common questions
Who was Rafi ud-Darajat and what was his role in 1719?
Rafi ud-Darajat sat on the Mughal throne in 1719 as a figurehead for two powerful brothers. Sayyid Hassan Ali Khan Barha and Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan Barha had deposed emperor Farrukhsiyar with the help of Maharaja Ajit Singh and Balaji Vishwanath.
How did Rafi ud-Darajat lose power to Nekusiyar?
On the 18th of May 1719, less than three months after accession, Rafi ud-Darajat's uncle Nekusiyar claimed the throne. He assumed power at Agra Fort believing he was more eligible for the post.
What agreement did Rafi ud-Darajat make with the Marathas?
Rafi ud-Darajat returned a favor by granting Chauth and Sardeshmukhi rights to the Marathas. This agreement covered six Mughal provinces across the empire where Mughal officials collected taxes and then handed them over to the Maratha leaders.
Where did Nekusiyar die after being imprisoned by the Sayyid brothers?
The Amir ul-Umara received him respectfully before confining him at Salimgarh Fort. Nekusiyar died there in 1723 while still imprisoned.