Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.18.3

2.18.3

The governor proceeded to Lahor, where he and the feeble remains of his intrepid garrison were miserably slaughtered by Kalil-ullah-kan, who commanded in that city. The reason for this atrocious act was, that although the eunuch professed his intention of visiting the King at Dehli, to gratify the desire expressed by Aureng-Zebe to converse with so brave a soldier, yet he really meditated a rapid march to Serenaguer, with all his followers, for the purpose of making common cause with Soliman-Chekouh. Among these followers (many of whom were Franks) he distributed money with a liberal hand. Of Dara's family, there now remained only Soliman-Chekouh, whom it would not have been easy to draw from Sereftaguer, if the Raja had been faithful to his engagements. But the intrigues of Jessemgue, the promises and threats of Aureng-Zebe, the death of Dara, and the hostile preparations of the neighbouring Rajas, shook the resolution of this pusillanimous protector. Soliman-Chekouk felt that he was no longer in safety, and endeavoured to reach Great Tibet. His route lay across the most dreary country, consisting of nothing but sterile and mountainous tracts. He was pursued by the Raja's son, overtaken and wounded; and being conveyed to Dehli, was shut up in Selim-guer, the fortress in which Morad-Bakche was imprisoned. Aureng-Zebe acted upon this occasion as he had done in the case of Dara.