A History of the Mahrattas v1.c16.53

v1.c16.53

It was probably in consequence of the truce between the Moghuls and Beejapoor, that Moro Punt was induced to entertain numbers of the discharged cavalry of Beejapoor, being apprehensive that Dilere Khan meditated hostilities on his return to Pairgaom; but Aurungzebe was displeased with the adjustment which Dilere Khan had made, and informed him that he ought to have effected a more complete arrangement by providing for the nobility, paying the arrears of the troops, and taking the government under the imperial protection; he therefore commanded him to endeavour to amend his error whilst it was yet reparable, to pay the arrears of the cavalry, and to draw over as many of the officers as he could.¹ Sultan Mauzum was again appointed to the government of the Deccan; but the command of the army in the field remained with Dilere Khan. The Afghan party in Beejapoor were easily detached; but many of those who were violently factious, although averse to the existing authority, had still a greater dislike to the Moghuls. The envoy formally demanded Padshah Beebee as the only means of averting an immediate siege. Musaood Khan refused compliance. One of the factions, headed by Syud Mukhtoom and instigated by Mullik Berkhordar, assembled in arms to enforce the request, at a time when the regent was unprepared; but a battle in the midst of the city was prevented by the king's sister, who herself repaired to the spot and declared her intention of proceeding to the Moghul camp; vainly but generously imagining that, by this sacrifice, her brother and his kingdom might be saved.² The Mahomedan inhabitants of Beejapoor, who yet remain, revert with fond garrulity to this anecdote and to many traditionary legends of their last and favourite princess.