Muqarrab Khan


Muqarrab Khan of Golconda was the most experienced commander in Golconda, during the reign of Abul Hasan Qutb Shah. Muqarrab Khan is known to have been an ally of Afzal Khan and defended Golconda's southern realms against Maratha raids.
Muqarrab Khan was a political rival of Abul Hasan Qutb Shah's viziers Madanna and Akkanna.
After Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, escaped from his administrative duties by retreating into the Golconda Fort along with 1000 women who were known for their mastery in music and song. Muqarrab Khan had become the de facto ruler of Golconda.

Mughal service

Defection to the Mughal Empire

Before, Aurangzeb and his forces initiated the Siege of Golconda, Muqarrab Khan the most experienced commander in Golconda, defected to the Mughals. Muqarrab Khan and his forces proved their fighting experience and worth against the Marathas when he led a contingent that eventually captured Sambhaji, the then king of the Marathas at Sangameshwar and brought him to Aurangzeb.

Capture of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his men were captured by Muqarrab Khan and his Mughal contingent of 25,000 soldiers.Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was presented before the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dared Aurangzeb in open court and flatly refused to surrender the Maratha Swarajya. A panel of Qadis of the Mughal Empire indicted and sentenced Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to death.