History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c62.s4.24

v4.c62.s4.24

This huge demonstration of strength cowed Bahlol Khan, who then secured safety for himself by agreeing not to hinder the Mughal conquest of certain Bijapuri districts. Bahadur Khan now took easy possession of Naldurg (14th May 1677) and Kulbarga (7th July) by bribery. But these successes came too late to save him; he had fallen under the Emperor's suspicion* and displeasure by reason of his utter failure against Shivaji and severe reverses at the hands of the Bijapuris. The viceroy's position was rendered untenable by a conflict of policy between him and his second in command, Dilir Khan, (arrived in June 1676), who as an Afghan became the bosom friend of Bahlol Khan and the patron of the Afghan faction at Bijapur. Dilir and Bahlol wrote to the Emperor accusing Bahadur Khan of having formed a secret understanding with the three Deccani Powers and of being really hostile to the success of the imperial enterprises there. Bahlol Khan also offered to conquer Haidarabad if he were reinforced with imperial troops, and to crush Shivaji if the Mughals guaranteed the Afghan chief his position and property (Dil. 146—151.)