New History of the Marathas v1.c17.72

v1.c17.72

8. Sad end of Akbar.—Absence of recorded evidence prevents one from knowing, how Sambhājī and his ally Akbar were occupied during the three years that the Emperor was engaged in the conquest of Bijapur and Golkonda, and why they did not utilize the opportunity to their own advantage. It seems the two had severe disagreement on several points connected with the conduct of their operations. Akbar probably felt after his close experience during the few years that he was in Mahārāshtra, that Sambhājī, far from possessing any of his father’s great qualities, was decidedly incompetent to handle the grave situation that had arisen for them, or make a proper use of the opportunities that came in their way. Akbar indeed felt the net being tightened closely round him by his father and was terribly frightened for his life, as there was every likelihood of his being discovered and captured by the numerous agents roaming about the land. His sister Zinat-un-Nisa Begam who looked after her father’s household, was trying her best to bring about a reconciliation between them. But Akbar well knew what his fate would be if he went back to his father. He became convinced that if he had to save his life, it was no use wasting his time with Sambhājī. The princes of Rajputana repeatedly urged him to come over to their shelter, so that they could together rise against the Emperor and take possession of Delhi. But Akbar’s resources were very poor; he had no money, nor men; Sambhājī himself being hard up, could render no help to him. Besides, his way to Rājputānā was securely blocked both through Gujarat and Khandesh.