Travels in India (Tavernier) 54.8

54.8

Uncertain what to do, he consulted the Brahmins, who pronounced that he was rather bound to protect his people and his faith, which would be destroyed if the country became subject to Aurangzeb, who was a Muhammadan, than to protect a Prince from whom he could never receive any benefit. These councils having been held without Suliman Sheko’s knowledge, his destruction was settled when he believed himself to be in the greatest safety. The Raja Nakti Rani thinking to shield his honour and conscience, replied to Jeswant Singh’s messenger that he was unable to bring himself to betray the Prince, but that Aurangzeb might seize him, and so protect his reputation ; and that Suliman Sheko was in the habit of going to hunt in certain mountains in his country, taking only a few people with him, and that it would be easy for Jeswant Singh to send a number of soldiers to take him prisoner, and hand him over to Aurangzeb.