History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c37.s2.9

v3.c37.s2.9

Khafi Khan (ii. 407-410) tells a story that in 1692 or 1693 Azam had openly expressed anger and disappointment on hearing of the Emperor's intention to release Shah Alam. Immediately wild rumours spread through the imperial camp that the prince wanted to attack his father and proclaim his own independence, while hostile intentions on the part of the Emperor also were believed by the babblers of Azam's army. But Aurangzib called the prince and his sons to an interview at a lonely place, made an affectation of placing himself entirely in Azam's power, and then dismissed him with a hint that he was lucky in escaping his elder brother's fate. In the meantime Azam's wives and harem women had given him up for lost and were bewailing his supposed captivity. One such lesson was enough for Azam. Ever afterwards he used to tremble and turn pale before opening any letter from his father of which the contents had not been previously reported to him by his agent at Court. He never rebelled. Ishwardas says (87 a and b) that in 1683 he strongly resented a false suspicion of the Emperor that he was forming a disloyal intrigue with Dilir Khan, and the Emperor had to soothe his son's injured feelings.