A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.115

v1.c17.115

Khan Jehan, according to the orders which were given, had advanced towards Hyderabad, but Mahdhuna Punt's preparations were in a more forward state than was expected, and Ibrahim Khan, the supposed friend of the minister, met the Moghuls at Mulkair with an army of seventy thousand men. Khan Jehan's force being quite unequal to contend with this host, and a retreat being exceedingly dangerous under such circumstances, he threw up entrenchments and sent intelligence of his situation to the Emperor. Sultan Mauzum was immediately dispatched with a body of troops to his relief. In the meantime Ibrahim Khan, who had a fine army and had Khan Jehan completely in his power, made no vigorous attacks, and on the advance of Sultan Mauzum his conduct was so treacherous, or his exertions so feeble, that the Moghuls marched on to Hyderabad with little opposition. The king retired into the fortress of Golcondah, notwithstanding Mahdhuna Punt's remonstrances; but at this time Ibrahim Khan treacherously deserted to the Moghuls, the city of Hyderabad was taken possession of, and, contrary to Sultan Mauzum's orders, plundered by the troops. The wisest minister is obnoxious in times of public misfortune; the enemies of Mahdhuna Punt, at the instigation of the king's mother-in-law or some of the treacherous factions in league with the Moghuls, took advantage of the general outcry amongst the populace and assassinated him. Abou Hoossein, although he had many amiable qualities, was destitute of the firmness and decision in which only his safety could be found, and being thus left without an adviser sued for peace. Aurungzebe perceiving that the troops, the wealth, and the preparations at Hyderabad were more formidable than he had contemplated, and that Beejapoor seemed likely to make considerable resistance, agreed to a peace, on being promised two crores of rupees in treasure and effects, which Sultan Mauzum was left to collect. The prince and Khan Jehan fell under the Emperor's displeasure for not securing the plunder of Hyderabad, and Aurungzebe, recollecting the vast treasure he had obtained there in 1655, became jealous of the wealth they were supposed to have secreted for purposes similar perhaps to what his own had been. Khan Jehan was therefore ordered to Lahore, and although he rejoined the Emperor some years afterwards, he was never again actively employed.¹