NAWAB SAEED KHAN AND HIS TOMB Dr. Abdur Rahman* 1. Historical Backgrou~~ Nawab Saeed Khan, son of Ahmad Beg Kabuli, was one of the ablest generals of Shahjahan (1628-58 A.D·.). He joined the Mughal imperial service in the time of Jahangir (1605-28 A. D.) and was first appointed in Kabul. Early in the reign of Shah- jahan he got rapid promotions because of his courage, wisdom and good fortune and became governor of the suba of Kabul ( 1) which then comprised of Kabul, Peshawar and the adjoining hill tracts down to the river Indus. He served the Mughal state with distinction till his death (1652 A.D.). But it is surprising to know that no mention is made in the contemporary or even later literary sources of the place where he was buried. It is therefore pertinent to review his life-sketch which may help elucidate the problem to some extent. In 1630 A.D. when Saeed Khan was a thanadar of Banga- shat and lived in Kabul, Kamal al-Din Rohila revolted against Shahjahan on the instigation of Khan Jahan Lodhi and, having conspired with the Afghan tribes living between Attack and Kabul, harried the land in the neighbourhood of Peshawar (2). On hearing the news Saeed Khan rushed to Peshawar and, having put the fortification of the Kach a fort in order, inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemy (3). But shortly afterwards the enemy troops reassembled and holding wooden planks instead of shields appeared in front of the fort in still larger numbers. Their numerical superiority was so great and obvious that it struck a reign of terror in the hearts of the government troops who advised Saeed Khan to shut himself behind the walls in- stead of facing them in the open field. But Saeed Khan, ignor- ing their advice, rushed upon the enemy with whatever force he could muster and scattered them like autumn leaves. Leaving many dead on the battle-field the enemy fled impetuously and were pursued hot in the heels for a distance of about five to six miles (8 kilometres). Because of this outstanding service to the state, Saeed Khan was promoted to the mansab of 4000 zat. In the 4th year of the succesi:ion of Shahjahan, he * Associate Professor, Archaeology Department, Peshawar University 555