Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.6.7

2.6.7

Soliman-Chekouh, Dara's eldest son, was the general nominated to the command of the corps sent to oppose Sultan Sujah's progress. He was about five-and-twenty years of age, of a fine person, not without ability, generous and popular. He was a favourite with Chah-Jehan, from whom he had already received great riches, and who intended him for his successor in preference to Dara. As the Mogol's chief anxiety was to avoid the effusion of blood in this unnatural contest, he appointed an old Raja, named Jesseingue, to be the companion or counsellor of his grandson. Jesseingue is at present one of the richest Rajas in Hindoustan, and perhaps the ablest man in the whole kingdom. The King gave him secret instructions to avoid, if possible, coming to an engagement, and to leave no method untried to induce Sujah to retrace his steps. 'Represent to my son,' he said, 'that not his duty alone, but also his policy, demand the reservation of his strength for a more justifiable and promising occasion: until my malady have terminated in death, or at least until the result of the united efforts of Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche shall be ascertained.' But all the efforts of Jesseingue to prevent a battle proved abortive. Soliman-Chekouh, on the one side, was full of military ardour, and ambitious of acquiring a great name; and, on the other, Sultan Sujah apprehended that if he delayed his march, Aureng-Zebe might overcome Dara and gain possession of the two capital cities, Agra and Dehli.