Storia do Mogor 194.6

194.6

The affair happened in this way. The officers at the fortress of Parnalagarh saw that Aurangzeb's force, though it had no intention of raising the investment, yet could not take the fortress, which was too well provisioned. Accordingly they sent envoys to inform Aurangzeb of their willingness to surrender the fortress, finding he was so tenacious about acquiring it. But they desired to deliver it into the hands of the princess and her sons, if she would come in person to take possession. The victor imagined they were speaking the truth, and sent Sambha Ji's family to the said fortress along with the princess [except the eldest son, whom he detained as a prisoner]. Upon their arrival there was a great festival and much rejoicing. But before giving up the fortress they asked that, according to custom, they might issue invitations for some days' festivity. This being a very reasonable request, the officers of Aurangzeb made no difficulties in conceding it. The entertainments began with a great banquet, Shiva Ji's officers going out and in. On the third day they mixed so much poison with the food that before the fourth day dawned the princess, her sons, and many of Aurangzeb's officers were dead.