Storia do Mogor 171.2

171.2

The death of Rajah Jaswant Singh was used by Aurangzeb as an opening to oppress the Hindus still more, since they had no longer any valiant and powerful rajah who could defend them. He imposed on the Hindus a poll-tax, which everyone was forced to pay, some more, some less. Great merchants paid thirteen rupees and a half, the middle class six rupees and a quarter, and the poor three rupees and a half every year. This refers to men and not to women [183] ; boys began to pay as soon as they had passed their fourteenth year. Aurangzeb did this for two reasons: first, because by this time his treasures had begun to shrink owing to expenditure on his campaigns ; secondly, to force the Hindus to become Mahomedans. Many who were unable to pay turned Mahomedans, to obtain relief from the insults of the collectors. Annoyed at the flight of the rajahs, Aurangzeb took the field for a campaign against the famous Rani, wife of Jaswant Singh, although that princess had sent to the king many letters inquiring the nature of his grievance. She represented to him the privileges conceded to them by all the previous Mogul kings. But with a powerful man it is no use to argue. Thus this princess was obliged to cede to Aurangzeb a province and the town of Mairtha. Thereupon the king withdrew, having thus repaid the benefits received from Rajah Jaswant Singh, who, if he had taken the side of Dara when the troubles began, could have been of much hindrance to Aurangzeb in acquiring the sovereignty.