Mirza Muhammad Amin Shahristani
Mirza Muhammad Amin Shahristani was a nobleman who served in the courts of the Golconda Sultanate, Safavid Empire, and the Mughal Empire.
Biography
Mirza Muhammad was from a prominent Sayyid family hailing from Shahristan, near Isfahan. A few of his relatives held high posts in the Safavid administration, and his nephew married one of the daughters of Shah Abbas.He emigrated to Golconda and Mir Mu'min, who was the prime minister of the Golconda Sultanate, recommended him to the ruler Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, who awarded him the title of Mir Jumla. He was at the helm of the kingdom's administration, and would continue to serve in the court until Muhammad Quli's death in 1610.
Upon the death of Muhammad Quli, his nephew Sultan Muhammad succeeded him. The Mirza, who had been against Sultan Muhammad's accession, resigned and was allowed to emigrate from the kingdom. He went to the royal court of Bijapur, but was unable to obtain a position there.
He was able to secure an appointment in the court of Shah Abbas in 1614, where he served for four years. In 1618, he went to Agra, the capital of the Mughal empire, upon the invitation of the emperor Jahangir. After presenting some gifts to the emperor, he was awarded a position at court, with a mansab of 1,500 zat and 200 sawar. He was promoted at various intervals during his service, and in 1636, was awarded the title of Mir Bakshi, along with 5,000 zat and 2,000 sawar. He died on 13 September 1637, and was buried in Agra.