History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v2.c30.37

v2.c30.37

On 12th April, Shuja reached Dacca, a bankrupt in fame and fortune. But it was to be no asylum to him. The zamindars were all up against him, and he was too weak either to chastise them or to face Mir Jumla, who was coming hot foot on his trail. He had already begged succour from the pirate king of Arracan, but no reply had yet come. The near approach of the Imperialists, however, left him no choice. On 6th May, he bade farewell even to his eastern capital, and with his family and a few faithful nobles and servants glided down from Dacca to Dhapa, 8 miles southwards. Next day he reached Sripur (probably short for Srirampur.) At every stage soldiers and boatmen deserted him in large numbers; even his old ministers and confidential servants forsook their doomed master. On the 8th, shortly after leaving Sripur, he met 51 Magh and Feringi boats (jalbas), sent by the Governor of Chatgaon by order of the king of Arracan.