His tenure, lasting less than a decade, spanned the eclipse days of the kingdom; it was characterised by internal strife and political pressure from the Mughal Empire.

In his time and context, this signified the shedding of his father's status as a military slave, and typically meant greater acceptance into elite circles of the court.

[5] Malik Ambar trained Fath Khan to be his natural successor as de facto ruler of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.

It had the effect of strengthening ties with the Bijapur Sultanate at a time when Mughal political pressure bore down on both kingdoms.

[4][7] Following the death of his father in 1626, Fath Khan succeeded him as Peshwa (prime minister) and regent of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, appointed by the ruler Burhan Nizam Shah III.

[4][3][8] The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ascended the throne around this time and placed significant pressure on the kingdom, deputing multiple military campaigns.

[9] Fath Khan also struck coins and had the khutba read in Shah Jahan's name, symbolising Mughal sovereignty.

[7] The surrender was meant to signify the final Mughal annexation of the Sultanate, but in reality Nizam Shahi resistance continued through 1636, chiefly led by Shahaji Bhonsle.

[8][3] Fath Khan was pardoned by the Mughal emperor; his jagirs were restored to him, and he received an allowance of two lakh rupees.

[3][4] Around 1642–1643, he raised a rebellion against Mughal authority in Chaul, which was only subdued after a major military expedition; this was one of several examples of continued resistance from Nizam Shahi nobles.