A History of the Mahrattas v1.c18.131

v1.c18.131

The following translation, from an original Persian letter, throws considerable light on the state of the country about this period. It bears no date, but from several circumstances, is evidently written when Aurungzebe was besieging Panalla or Vishalgurh. It fell into my hands, amongst several bundles of original Persian letters and papers, belonging to a Bramin’s family, and I was at some pains to ascertain its history. The writer of the letter was a Bramin, who had been very active in assisting the Moghuls to reduce the country in 1688-89. In consequence of his services, he had been dignified Upon the reduction of Rajgurh and Torna, the Emperor, after halting some months near Joonere, finally quitted the neighbourhood with the titles of Raja and Maharaja,¹ and appointed to the revenue management of the district of Kuttao. During the absence of Puddajee Ghatgay Deshmookh, who had gone abroad to plunder at the time, this Bramin got temporary charge of the valuable Deshmookhee claims of Boodh and Mullaoree: however, upon the return and submission of the Deshmookh, he lost these advantages, but retained charge of the fort of Booshengurh, the management of that district, and the village of Kuttao, which last his posterity enjoy in Enam to this day. Puddajee Ghatgay was placed under his surveillance. This letter, either never sent or afterwards recovered, is written from Kuttao to a Moghul officer in charge of the province, but at that time collecting a convoy of grain at Phultun and Barramuttee, to be conveyed to the grand camp.