Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.18.7

2.18.7

There now existed only one member of his family who created anxiety or apprehension in the mind of Aureng-Zebe, and this was Sultan Sujah. Hitherto he had displayed much resolution and vigour, but now felt the necessity of yielding to the power and fortune of his brother. Reinforcements continued to be sent to Emir-Jemla, until the Prince, encompassed on all sides, was compelled to fly for his personal safety to Daki, which is the last town in Bengale, on the borders of the sea ; and this ends the whole tragedy. The Prince being destitute of ships to put to sea, and not knowing whither to fly for refuge, sent his eldest son, Sultan Banque, to the King of Racan, or Mog, a Gentile or idolater, to ascertain if he would grant him a temporary asylum, and a passage to Moka, when the favourable season arrived ; it being his wish to proceed thence to Meca, and afterward take up his residence in Turkey or Persia. The King's answer was in the affirmative, and expressed in the kindest terms. Sultan Banque returned to Daki with a large number of galeasses (as they call the half galleys of this King) manned by Franks, for so I would designate those fugitive Portuguese, and other wandering Christians, who had entered into the King's service, and whose chief occupation was to ravage this part of Lower Bengale. On board these vessels, Sultan Sujah embarked with his family, consisting of his wife, his three sons and his daughters.