[3][4] In 1591, with Akbar's approval and the promise to accept Mughal suzerainty, Burhan made another attempt to claim the throne, then held by his own 12 year-old son Ismail Nizam Shah, who had been placed there by nobles.

With the backing of a large number of Nizam Shahi troops as well as support from Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur and Raja Ali Khan of Khandesh, Burhan invaded Ahmadnagar and captured Ismail, whom he forgave, and ascended the throne.

[5] Coming to the throne at an advanced age, Burhan Nizam Shah proved to be a weak and incapable monarch, addicted to women and wine.

During his short rule the Mahdawi movement, which had been aggressively propagated during Ismail's reign, was criminalised, and Shia Islam was reintroduced to Ahmadnagar.

Burhan angered Akbar by ignoring the earlier pledge to acknowledge the suzerainty of the latter and mistreated Mughal envoys.