Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.12.3

2.12.3

Many intelligent persons, however, deny the truth of these allegations, and contend that the letter, thus generally exhibited, was a mere invention to deceive the public, and to reconcile them to the outrageous measures of which the Mogol's adherents had so much right to complain. Be the truth what it may, it is certain that the close confinement of Chah-Jehan seemed the signal for nearly the whole body of Omrahs to pay their court to Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche. I can indeed scarcely repress my indignation when I reflect that there was not a single movement, nor even a voice heard, in behalf of the aged and injured Monarch; although the Omrahs, who bowed the knee to his oppressors, were indebted to him for their rank and riches, having been, according to the custom of this court, raised by Chah-Jehan from a state of the lowest indigence, and many of them even redeemed from absolute slavery. A few there were, such as Danechmend-Kan and some others, who espoused no party; but, with this small exception, every Omrah declared in favour of Aureng-Zebe.