History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c36.s5.5

v3.c36.s5.5

This was early in the 17th century. One of the Chero chiefs, "Medini Rai, surnamed the Just, (c. 1625), extended his sway and made himself lord paramount of the southern portion of Gaya and of large portions of Hazaribagh and Sirguja, and penetrated into Chota Nagpur as far as Doisa."* His clansmen were hereditary cattle-lifters and they made life and property insecure on their borders. The Rajahs had evidently come into conflict with the Mughal empire and been forced to promise tribute. When payment was neglected, Shaista Khan, the governor of Bihar, invaded the country (Oct., 1641—February, 1642), received the submission of the chief, Pratap Rai, and returned with an indemnity of Rs. 80,000.