Background
Jahangir writes in his memoirs in the narration of his first regnal year "Sayyed Ali Asghar Bahra who has not a rival in bravery and zeal, is son of Sayyed Mahmud Khan Barha who was a great Amir of my father.
Jahangir writes in his memoirs in the narration of his first regnal year "Sayyed Ali Asghar Bahra who has not a rival in bravery and zeal, is son of Sayyed Mahmud Khan Barha who was a great Amir of my father.
This year I have bestowed on him the title of Saif Khan and thus distinguished him in equals and pears. He has never taken any intoxicating substance in his life. He is one of those few confidants who have been with me in hunting and other places".
His rank was three thousands personal and two thousand and five hundred horse.
In 1014 Hijri Emperor Jahangir"s son Khusro rebelled against the Emperor, Saif Khan was deputed to chase him with Sheikh Farid Bukhari, a battle took place near Lahore Saif Khan fought valiantly and got seventeen wounds. In 1017 Hijri corresponding to 1609 Civil Engineering Saif Khan was appointed to the Faujdariship of Hisar Firoza, this province as a Mughal tradition since Babur"s time had been a fief of all Mughal crown princes.
Saif Khan administered the province on behalf of crown prince Khurram.In 1610 Civil Engineering he was granted the insignia (Alam). Prince of Udaipur sent his agent with a gift of sixty elephants for truce which was accepted.
In 1614 on the occasion of Nauroz celebrations his rank was increased by 500 personal and 200 horses at the intercession of Prince Khurram.Next year in 1615 Saif Khan was honored with Kettle drums (Naqqarah) and his rank was increased by 300 horses thus fixing his rank to 3000 personal and 2000 horse.
In 1616 he was deputed to accompany prince Khurram towards Deccan, Saif Khan died of cholera in Deccan during the campaign on May 24, 1616 Civil Engineering. A miniature portrait of him done by royal painter Nanha survived which is preserved in Metropolitan Museum of Art New York which they have published in a book entitled Emperor"s Album.