History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v1.c15.85

v1.c15.85

Aurangzib learnt of these disturbances and hurried reinforcements up to Ahmadnagar, with strict orders to punish Shiva. He chastised with his pen those officers who were slow in marching to the scene. His letters to his officers breathe fury and revenge : the Mughal captains must beat the raiders back from the Imperial dominions and make reprisals by entering Shiva’s land from all sides, “wasting the villages, slaying the people without pity, and plundering them to the extreme” ;—Shivaji’s possessions, Poona and Chakna, must be utterly ruined and not the least remissness shown in slaying and enslaving the people ;—the village headmen and peasants of the Imperial territory who had secretly abetted the enemy, must be slain without compunction.