History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c36.s6.23

v3.c36.s6.23

The low country was soon occupied and imperial administration set up there (October). But it was no easy task to occupy the hills. In May next, one lakh of Rupees and 200 stone-cutters were sent to strengthen the expeditionary force. The Srinagar Rajah co-operated with the Mughals, but his nephew, who had married into the Kumaun royal family, fought on the other side. The official history silently passes over these operations and does not mention the reason of Bahadur Chand having fallen under imperial displeasure after receiving rewards for loyalty as late as June 1664. A letter written by the Rajah to Alawardi Khan makes the point clear. It runs thus, "I am an old slave of the Emperor, having been brought up by Shah Jahan. My land is the Emperor's. Why then are you ravaging it? I have been falsely accused by the Rajah of Srinagar [of having vast hoards of treasure]. So much gold cannot be collected in our entire hill country by any amount of search. Let him prove his words true. Secondly, as for my going to Srinagar without permission, I am willing to pay a fine to the Emperor." In October 1673, the Rajah received his pardon and sent his son to visit the imperial Court.∗