History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v1.c13.108

v1.c13.108

Qutb Shah took advantage of the confusion caused by the Bijapur War and Shah Jahan’s illness, to keep hold of some forts and districts of the Karnatak in opposition to Mir Jumla’s agents. Aurangzib had to threaten him severely, “The Karnatak belongs to Mir Jumla, and is a part of the empire. Banish from your mind all thought of keeping it. You donot listen to me yet!... Why are you trying in vain to keep it? Recall your officers and troops from the province, or... I shall send Mir Jumla with a vast army to chastise you and annex your kingdom.” During the War of Succession, Qutb-ul-mulk made further progress and wrested Gandikota and Sidhout from Mir Jumla’s men.‡ It was only after he had firmly seated himself on the throne of Delhi that Aurangzib could enforce the complete surrender of the Karnatak.