History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c41.s12.4

v3.c41.s12.4

salutary effect.* ‘‘This order continued in force up to the day of the return of the army from Assam, and during the year’s stay of the imperial army in that country, not a single officer, private or camp-follower durst even cast a wistful glance of plunder or kidnapping at the property and women of the people of the land.’’ And when during the rains Farhad Khan made an example of the treacherous villagers near Ramdang, who after professing submission to the Mughals used to join the Ahoms in their night attacks, Mir Jumla was displeased at the maltreatment of their women, condemned such ‘‘frightfulness,’’ and set the captives free at once. At the time of the retreat from Assam, he forbade his army ‘‘even more strongly than before to molest the peasantry of the country or to rob their goods.’’† We realize Mir Jumla’s peculiar excellence more clearly by contrast with others. When his eagle eyes were removed, the Mughal officers began to oppress the people of Kuch Bihar and lost that kingdom by exciting popular hatred.