Travels in India (Tavernier) 24.3.9

24.3.9

Soon afterwards Shah Jahan made him first Minister of State and Commander-in-Chief of his armies, and it was he who so powerfully aided Aurangzeb to ascend the throne by defeating Sultan Shuja. For Mir Jumla was a man of great intelligence, who understood equally well both war and the affairs of State. I have had occasion to speak to him several times, and I have admired the firmness and the promptitude with which he responded to requests presented to him, giving his orders in every direction, and signing several despatches as if he had but one sole matter to attend to. The third Princess of Golconda was promised to Sultan Said, another Sheikh of Mecca, and the matter had so far advanced that the day was named for the marriage. But Abdul Zabar Beg, general of the army, went to the King of Golconda, with six other nobles, to turn him from his design; and they so managed it that the marriage was broken off, and the Princess was given to Mirza Abdul Hasan, a cousin of the King, by which marriage there are two sons. This has entirely destroyed the claims of the son of Aurangzeb, whom the father now keeps in prison in the fortress of Gwalior, for having betrayed his side in favour of Sultan Shuja, his uncle. This Princess would have been given at first and with no difficulty to Mirza Abdul Hasan if he had not been a debauchee, the King not having then any regard for him, and making no account of him ; but since the marriage he has reformed.