History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c36.s4.16

v3.c36.s4.16

The Hindu revolts provoked by Aurangzib's bigotry, as well as his dealings with the Sikhs, will be treated in detail in a subsequent chapter. The minor risings may be dismissed with brief notices here. In November 1659 large numbers of Rajputs of the Bais and other clans under a leader named Bahadur Panchkoti rebelled and plundered the highways and villages in Baiswara. Indeed, defiance of civil authority was the normal condition of the Baiswara peasantry, and the public revenue could be rarely gathered without the employment of an armed force. In the closing years of the reign fights between the local officers and the peasantry led by their tribal zamindars were very frequent here. The Sambal Afghans belonging to the Niazai clan crossed from Bannu to the eastern bank of the Indus river in May 1663 and plundered many Mughal outposts; but a large expedition with artillery defeated them, drove them back across the river, and seized booty valued at two lakhs of Rupees.*