JAJAU, BATTLE OF

(June 12, 1707), decisive engagement over succession to the Mughal throne of India, following the death of the emperor Aurangzeb, and fought at Jajau, a few miles south of Agra on the Yamuna River. The crown passed to Aurangzeb's eldest surviving son, Bahadur Shah. After Aurangzeb died on March 3, 1707, the contest was between Bahadur Shah, governor of Kabul in Afghanistan, and his next brother, 'Azam Shah. Careful preparations and quick movements enabled Bahadur Shah to reach Agra on June 12 and to secure the imperial treasure. Both sides numbered more than 100,000 combatants, the exact numbers being uncertain, but Bahadur Shah was stronger in artillery. This advantage, with the desertion of part of 'Azam Shah's support and a shortage of water in intense heat, decided the day. Both 'Azam Shah and his son Bidar Bakht were killed.