A History of the Mahrattas v1.c18.153

v1.c18.153

Zoolfikar Khan was sent to retake Singurh, and previous to his departure the Emperor committed Shao to his charge. Zoolfikar Khan, partly from hatred to Kaum Bukhsh, bitterly inveighed against the overtures that had been made for peace, and Aurungzebe was equally conscious of the error; yet, with some design of releasing Shao, he had now recourse to the half-measure of causing letters to be written to the Mahrattas from Shao as their lawful prince, inviting them to submit. Had he released him at once, a division would probably have taken place amongst the Mahrattas. Under any circumstances, the other expedient was unwise, but particularly inconsistent in Aurungzebe, as it was in effect acknowledging the legitimacy of Sivajee’s government and consequently admitting the injustice of Sumbhajee’s execution. The result was, as might have been expected, of no avail.