The Seven Cities of Delhi
capital, so, although the city was known as "Takht Dilli," or Royal Delhi, it became almost deserted; the old retainers of Humayun, how-
ever, lived there, and were there buried. The policy of Akbar was one of conciliation of the Hindu princes, whose daughters he sought in marriage, and whom he appointed nobles and generals of his army; consequently the southern capital of Agra was thought by him more
suitable.
The emperor, however, in the early part of his reign, paid several visits to Delhi, in order to visit his foster-mother, Mahim Anagah, mother of Adham Khan. It was probably due to her influence that he decided there to deprive Bahram Khan of his office as prime Minister, and to assume the reins of government, although he was at that time only eighteen years of age. His foster-mother's influence also obtained for Adham Khan the command of an expedition into Malwa, where he was successful, but withheld the spoils from the emperor, who said little, but deprived him of employment. Taga Khan, the husband of another foster-mother of Akbar,was in high favour; this caused the jealousy of Adham Khan, who murdered Taga Khan in the audience-chamber. Akbar heard the noise of the scuffle, came out of his chamber, and half drew his220
