Travels in India (Tavernier) 54.9

54.9

Immediately on receipt of this reply, Jeswant Singh gave orders to his son to go and execute the design as it had been arranged, so that when on a certain day Suliman Sheko, on going to hunt at the usual place, was attacked by a strong party who were in ambuscade, he at once saw the treason, and put himself in a position of defence with his followers, who were all slain on the spot. The Prince defended himself bravely, and alone slew nine of the assailants ; but he was borne down by numbers, and was carried to Jahanabad. When he came into Aurangzeb’s presence, the King asked him how he felt. “As your prisoner,” replied the Prince, “who does not expect from you different treatment from that which my father has received.” The King replied that he had nothing to fear, that he would not put him to death, but only assure himself of his person. Aurangzeb then inquired what had become of the treasures which he had carried away ; he replied that he had employed a portion to raise troops to make war against him and destroy him, if good fortune had been on his side ; that another portion had been retained in the hands of Raja Rup, whose avarice and perfidy were sufficiently well known ; and that the traitor Raja Nakti Rani had seized the remainder when delivering him treacherously to his enemies, despite his promise and pledged honour.