Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.13.3

2.13.3

When Aureng-Zebe knew the point on which Dara was directing his retreat, he felt it quite unnecessary to continue the pursuit. Having ascertained that Caboul was not within the plan of his brother's operations, his mind was relieved from any serious apprehension; and sending only seven or eight thousand men under the command of Mir-baba, his foster-brother, to watch the movements of Dara, he retraced his steps towards Agra with the same expedition he had used in the pursuit of his brother. His mind, indeed, was harassed by fears of what might happen in the capital during his absence: some of the powerful Rajas, such as Jesseingue or Jessomseingue, would, perhaps, he thought, release Chah-Jehan from prison; Soliman-Chekouh, and the Raja of Se श्रीनगर might descend as a torrent from their mountains; or, finally, Sultan Sujah would now probably venture to approach Agra. A slight incident now occurred, which, as it was occasioned by it, may serve to give an idea of Aureng-Zebe's precipitate mode of acting. While on his return from Moultan to Lahor, and when marching with his accustomed rapidity, he was astonished to see the Raja Jesseingue at the head of four or five thousand well-appointed Ragipous, advancing towards him. Aureng-Zebe had, as usual, preceded his army; and being aware of the Raja's strong attachment to Chah-Jehan, it may easily be imagined that he considered his situation one of extreme peril.