History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c42.s6.5

v3.c42.s6.5

The Burmese are noted for their skill in managing boats and loose formation fighting in jungle and river. Allied to the Portuguese, they became irresistible in our eastern waters. The Mughal soldiers,—Turks, Afghans and Rajputs alike,—were mere landsmen; expert riders, no doubt, but hopelessly inefficient on board ship. The sea was not their element, and they used to run into port for shelter at the least sign of a gale. The swift galleasses of the Arrakanese made raids in the rivers and creeks of Dacca and Bakarganj without meeting with any reprisal or even opposition from the local Mughal officers. After taking Sondip in 1617, the Arrakan king occupied a portion of the Bakarganj district. He sacked the town of Dacca itself in 1625 and for years afterwards continued to levy blackmail from Eastern Bengal. One Mughal viceroy, Khanahzad Khan, retired to Rajmahal in fear of the pirates, leaving the defence of Dacca to his subordinates. (Cont. 176b.)