A desperate struggle for the succession begins among the Mughal princes after Shah Jahan falls ill on September 6, 1657.

Murad Baksh, the youngest son of Shah Jahan and empress Mumtaz Mahalp, proclaims himself emperor after reports that his father had died.

Aurangzeb's eldest brother, Dara Shikoh, is regarded as heir apparent, but the succession proves far from certain when Shah Jahan's second son Shah Shuja immediately declares himself emperor in Bengal and marching towards Agra while Murad Baksh, receiving the news that Shah Jahna still lives, allies himself with Aurangzeb.

Imperial armies sent by Dara and Shah Jahan soon restrain Shuja’s effort, and he retreats.