A History of the Mahrattas v1.c11.68

v1.c11.68

1650.—The prince Aurungzebe, after an expedition against Kandahar, was appointed viceroy of the Deccan for the second time in the year 1650, and for several years abated nothing of the active measures which had been adopted for fixing equitable assessments and affording protection to travellers and merchants. He established the seat of government at Mullik Umber’s town of Khirkee, which, after his own name, he called Aurungabad.¹ But, however capable of civil government, Aurungzebe was early habituated to the interest which is generally excited in the human mind by having once acted as a leader in war; and in the year 1655 he readily seized an opportunity of 1655. fomenting dissensions at the neighbouring court of Golcondah, with the hope of involving the Emperor in the dispute. At this period the prime minister of Kootub Shah was the celebrated Meer Joomleh²; he had attained that situation by his ability and his wealth; but he had considerable influence, and was held in very general esteem at every Mahomedan court in Asia. He was originally a diamond merchant, and his occupation brought him acquainted with princes and their countries. His talents, his riches, and the extent of his dealings, had made him familiarly known at the imperial court, long before he rose to be vizier at Golcondah.