Muntakhab al-lubab 193: The Játs.

193

[vol. ii. p. 944.] The tribe of Játs, under the leading of the sons of Chúráman, who was lately deceased, had strengthened and armed some forts in the neighbourhood of Ágra. The turbulence, disaffection and robberies of this vile class of men in the reigns of Aurangzeb and Farrukh Siyar have been related. Sa'ádat Khán, Súbadár of Ágra, a man renowned for his bravery and determination, although he did his best and showed great resolution, was unable to inflict any real satisfactory chastisement on them, because of the density of the woods and the inaccessibility of the places to which they retired. In consequence of this, Rája Jai Singh Dhíráj was ordered on the service, with many warlike amírs of the Mughals of Írán and Túrán, and Afgháns of well-known courage. Fourteen or fifteen thousand horse were assembled under him, he had a strong force of artillery and siege materials, and he received a present of two lacs of rupees, a robe and a horse. The Rája began by clearing away the jungle, and then by fighting vigorously and pushing forward his artillery, he pressed the insurgents hard. The rebels came out of some of the forts, and taking refuge in the jungle, they made sudden attacks upon the royal forces, and large numbers were killed on both sides. In the course of a month and a half, two forts were closely invested; but by good fortune one of the nephews of the rebel—for they had a quarrel among themselves about their country—left him, and joining the rája, acted as guide. After the two forts were reduced, the rebels abandoned their chief stronghold in the night, having set fire to the houses, blown up the powder magazine, and carried off with them all the money and valuables that were portable. They left their guns and grain, which, with the fort, were taken possession of by the royal forces. There was a strong report of there being treasure in the fort; but although great search was made, and several places were dug up, not a trace of it was found.