A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.186

v1.c17.186

About this period the attention of the Emperor was attracted to the English, and in consequence of piracies which began to be committed by individuals, several of the factories belonging to the East India Company were seized.² This was no uncommon measure for Aurungzebe to adopt when any of the Moghul ships were taken, and he more than once threw the President at Surat into confinement. On the present occasion the Seedee was ordered to drive them from Bombay. Yakoot Khan made a descent upon the island, and possessed himself of Mazagon, Sion, and Mahim, but could make no impression on the fort. The attack, however, continued, until the English appeased Aurungzebe by the usual expedients of bribes to the courtiers and the humblest submission. The Seedee quitted the island, after he had remained upon it nearly a year.¹