Stupidity and Arrogance Led to His Murder — A Fatal Mistake in Judgment
Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar was the absolute ruler of Iran in the late 1700s. Revered as a military genius and founder of the Qajar dynasty, his reign was able to unify Iran after a series of nasty civil wars. He subsequently relocated the capital to Tehran, where it still stands today. Agha Mohammad Khan was also known for his violent and brutal nature. When the king invaded Georgia, he massacred the population and reduced the capital, Tbilisi, to ashes. He was also ruthless with those he saw threatening his power, killing anyone who stood in his way. British Major-general Sir John Malcolm, in his book, “A History of Persia,” wrote of Agha Mohammad Khan,
The first passion of his mind was power; the second avarice; and the third revenge. In all these he indulged in excess, and they administered to each other.
During a military campaign in 1797, Agha Mohammad Khan was asleep in his tent when the loud shouting of two servants awoke him. For disturbing his sleep, Agha Mohammad Khan ordered both men to be put to death. Despite the plea of a noble who interceded on the servants’ behalf, the king was not persuaded to stay the execution but only to postpone it until the following day, as it was Friday, the Islamic holy day.
Both servants were then released, free and unwatched, to continue their duties. Knowing of Agha Mohammad Khan’s unforgiving nature and being condemned to their fate the next day, the two men enlisted the help of a third man. Later that night, the group entered the king’s tent and stabbed him to death.
Insight and Application
When giving an order against an opponent, have it carried out immediately. If you wait, the element of surprise may be lost. The more time allowed between your decision and execution is only an advantage to the opposition, allowing them to strategize and prepare. Also, no matter how harmless your opponent may look, their ability to do you harm may still be substantial.
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