History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c39.s4.2

v3.c39.s4.2

At last after a year’s stay in Persia, Tarbiyat Khan was given conge at Farahabad, and entrusted with a taunting letter for Aurangzib. In it Shah Abbas writes, "I learn that most of the zamindars of India are in rebellion because their ruler is weak, incompetent and without resources. The chief of them is the impious *kafir* Shiva, who had long lived in such obscurity that none knew of his name; but now, taking advantage of your lack of means and the retreat of your troops, he has made himself visible like the peak of a mountain, seized many forts, slain or captured many of your soldiers, occupied much of that country, plundered and wasted many of your ports, cities and villages, and finally wants to come to grips with you. You style yourself a World-conqueror (*Alamgir*) while you have only conquered your father; and having gained composure of mind by the murder of your brothers—who were lawful heirs to your father's land and wealth—you have abandoned the royal practices of doing justice and charity and are busying yourself in the company of men who call incantation and Satanic magic the knowledge of God and the exposition of Truth. You have failed in every undertaking that required manliness. It is beyond your power to repress lawless men; you have become helpless and distracted by your lack of material and money and the defeat of your troops. Thanks to the favour of God and the Imams, it is my nature to cherish those who are crushed, and my ancestors have been the refuge of the kings of the world,—witness how we restored to their thrones Humayun and Nazar Muhammad Khan. Now that you, the successor of Humayun, are in distress, it is my royal aim to go personally to India with my multitudinous army, meet you (which has long been my desire), give you every help and extinguish the fire of disorder with the lustre [lit., water] of my sword—like that of Ali,—so that the people might be delivered from the oppression of lawless men, and sing my praises. God keep you safe amidst your misfortunes!'*