Governor of Multan, then commander-in-chief
An Afghan noble in Mughal service, Khan Jahan Lodi held frontier and Deccan commands under Jahangir. As the Safavid shah moved against the empire's western fortress, the record states: "In the 15th year when it appeared that the Qazalbash (Persian) was trying to conquer Qandahar, Khān Jahān was appointed governor of the province of Multān and sent to his post." (vol. I, p. 797) He remained close to the throne through the turmoil of Jahangir's final year, when Mahabat Khan broke with the court: "At the same time when Mahābat Khān withdrew from the Court with evil designs and joined Shāh Jahān in Junair, Jahāngīr gave his title of the Commander-in-chief to Khān Jahān." (vol. I, p. 798) Jahangir died soon after, before the new distinction could be tested.
Flight and death on the Chambal
His standing did not survive the change of reign. Under suspicion at Shah Jahan's court, he fled Agra by night in 1629, saying as he left the city, "O God, Thou knowest that I am leaving in order to save my honour and that there is no rebellion in my heart." (vol. I, p. 800) He was overtaken near Dholpur, where a fight broke out that killed his sons Husain and 'Azmat, his son-in-law Shams, and dozens of retainers: "Khān Jahān personally fought bravely and was wounded and endeavoured to reach the river Chambal, but on account of the violence of the current his women were not able to cross." (vol. I, p. 800) His wife, daughters and some trusted dependants were put into litters on elephants and left behind in the confusion.