Mir Jumla
Explanation
The conflict between the Mughal Empire and the Ahom Kingdom of Assam was a significant part of the Mughal expansionist policy in eastern India during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. The campaign in 1662 was aimed at reasserting Mughal authority in the region and curbing Ahom encroachments.
Detailed Analysis:
- Mir Jumla (Correct): Mir Jumla II was appointed as the Governor of Bengal by Aurangzeb. In 1662, he marched against the Ahom kingdom. His forces successfully occupied the Ahom capital, Gargaon. The campaign concluded with the Treaty of Ghilajharighat in 1663, imposing heavy indemnities on the Ahom king, Jayadhwaj Singha. However, the Mughal success was short-lived due to guerrilla counter-attacks and the onset of the monsoon, which led to heavy Mughal casualties and Mir Jumla's death shortly after.
- Shaista Khan (Incorrect): Shaista Khan succeeded Mir Jumla as the Governor of Bengal. While he is famous for capturing Chittagong and his conflicts with the Maratha ruler Shivaji, he did not command the 1662 invasion of Assam.
- Raja Man Singh (Incorrect): Raja Man Singh was a prominent general during the reign of Emperor Akbar (late 16th century). He served as the Governor of Bengal and led campaigns in the east, but this was decades before the 1662 Ahom invasion.
- Asaf Khan (Incorrect): Asaf Khan was a noble during the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan. He is best known as the father of Mumtaz Mahal and for his role in court politics, not for leading the Assam campaign in 1662.
Key Takeaway:
Mir Jumla led the Mughal invasion of the Ahom kingdom in 1662 during the reign of Aurangzeb, briefly occupying the capital Gargaon before retreating due to geographical and climatic challenges.