Storia do Mogor 338.22.5

338.22.5

Without troubling himself about the increasing ruin to his empire due to the Mahrattahs, this king now plans the renewal of war against the Hindu prince of Maisur, or Saranpattan (Srirangapatanam). His ambition is to capture the great treasure possessed by this prince. This territory lies near the region of Malabar, and the prince possesses one hundred thousand matchlockmen and ten thousand cavalry. His revenue, after paying expenses, is every year eleven carois (krors) of rupees — that is, thirty-five millions. He is lord over a large territory defended by over one hundred fortresses and many forests. This prince has a Brahman as his chief counsellor, named Duduhaja Daluahia (Duduhaja Dahvãe), a man of sound judgment. The reigning prince is a nephew of the late ruler, and is deaf. For this reason King Aurangzeb protests that this prince is not a legitimate successor, and claims the right to take possession. Thus he is making ready for a campaign, and has sent out orders to the princes of Tanjor, the princess of Trichinopoly, and other neighbouring rulers who are his feudatories. They must be prepared to invade Maisúr ; and should they refuse compliance they will, he says, be chastised.