[2] They took much pride in their Indian ancestry,[3] and according to the American historian Richard M. Eaton, were "as native to India as were Jats, Rajputs or Marathas.

"[4] Dirk H. A. Kolff writes that they were of peasant origins, their ancestors had moved at an uncertain date from their homeland in Punjab to a barren region in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh.

[2] By the time of the Emperor Aurangzeb, the dynasty was firmly regarded as "Old Nobility" and enjoyed the unique status of holding the premier realms of Ajmer and Dakhin.

The arrogance of the Sayyid brothers during their rule as they grew in power aroused the jealousy of the king and other nobles in the court.

After large swathes of his own army deserted him, Abdullah Khan personally fought on foot following the Barha tradition and was captured by the Emperor.

[14] In order to reduce the power of the Turani nobles, Muhammad Shah thought of using the services of Qutb-ul-Mulk after setting him free and raising him to a high mansab.