A History of the Mahrattas v1.c4.31

v1.c4.31

Cruelties exercised by Sumbhajee on assuming power—execution of Soyera Bye.—Inauspicious commencement of his reign.—Unavailing attempts to drive the Seedee from the island of Kenery.— Sultan Mohummud Akber seeks an asylum in Sumbhajee’s territory.—Plot in favour of Raja Ram.—Executions.—Execution of Annajee Dutto.—Moro Punt imprisoned.—Rugonath Narrain Hunwuntay—his spirited remonstrances, and their consequences. —Sumbhajee attacks Jinjeera.—Moghuls make an incursion into the Concan, and are compelled to retreat.—Assault on Jinjeera repulsed—siege raised.—Sumbhajee attacks the Portuguese— endeavours to conciliate the English.—Portuguese besiege Ponda, and are compelled to retreat with heavy loss.—Kuloosha the prime minister of Sumbhajee.—Decay in the institutions of Sivajee.— State of the army—lands over-assessed.—Approach of Aurungzebe. —Survey of the state of the Deccan, from the first year after Sumbhajee’s accession, up to the fall of Beejapoor and Golcondah. —Extraordinary revolution amongst the English at Bombay.— Aurungzebe’s operations.—Salheir is surrendered.—Sultan Mauzum is sent to attack Sumbhajee in the Concan.—Imposition of the Jizeea—reflections.—Death of Dilere Khan.—Aurungzebe arrives at Ahmednugur—description of his camp.—Operations of Sultan Mauzum. Humbeer Rao and Khan Jehan.—Distress of Sultan Mauzum’s army—returns extremely reduced—operations.—Mahrattas plunder Baroach, and proclaim Mohummud Akber Emperor. —Operations against Beejapoor and Golcondah.—Murder of Mahdhuna Punt.—Truce with Golcondah.—Siege and capture of Beejapoor—description of the present state of its ruins.—Fall of Golcondah.—Arrangements in the conquered districts.—Mode in which the Moghuls took possession of, and regulated a district.— Operations of the Mahrattas.—Humbeer Rao defeats Shirzee Khan, but falls in the battle.—Operations in the Carnatic.—Profligacy and imbecility of Sumbhajee.—Sultan Mohummud Akber quits him in disgust.—Remarkable consequences of the laxity of discipline in Sumbhajee’s army.—State of the Hindoo population in Maharashtra.—Impolicy of Aurungzebe.—Remarks on the state of the country, extending, by anticipation, to a period of twelve years after the subversion of the Deccan kingdoms.—Operations of the Emperor.—Piracies of the English.—Sumbhajee surprised and made prisoner, together with his minister—behaviour— execution—Summary of his character . . . pp. 235–277