Storia do Mogor 354.7.8

354.7.8

Aurangzeb was also informed that the Mahrattahs had crowned as their prince Shivã Jī, son of Rãm Rãj. He was also told that the new rajah was to take the field, although a minor. At the present time these Mahrattah peoples keep on foot a huge army of cavalry, to the number of two hundred thousand. They never cease from skirmishing and plundering in all directions with the greatest boldness. [161] Among all the princes, sons of Aurangzeb, one of whom must succeed to the throne, the most esteemed and loved at court is A'zam Tãrã, and he is spoken of there much more than all the others. The reason for believing that he will become king is that the princes at court take his side and object to Shãh 'Alam as king. This animus of the princes against Shah 'Alam can be understood by the attitude adopted to him by the grand wazir (Asad Khãn) and other officials. For it is known that when Aurangzeb ordered him (Shãh 'Alam) to be seized, the chief wazir removed the prince's sword from his side, the powerful general Gueazudi Kam (Ghãzí-ud-dln Khãn, or sometimes Ghiyãz-ud-dln Khãn) placed the fetters on his feet, other officials seized his sons, others plundered his palace and behaved disrespectfully to his women. For these reasons all the persons I have named and the rest of their faction are on the side of A'zam Tãrã.