History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c62.s8.4

v4.c62.s8.4

The Mughal viceroy of the Deccan had now become the sole arbiter among the warring factions of Bijapur. Even Masaud sent his son and 5,000 troopers,—all the force left at Bijapur,—to his side at Dhulkhed. Finding all the Bijapuri nobles assembled in his camp, Dilir planned to arrest them by treachery and then swoop down upon the city of Bijapur and capture it without a blow as it was now utterly denuded of its troops and leaders. But the Afghan was a bungler in conspiracy; the secret leaked out, the Deccani chiefs became alert, Sharza Khan got ready for battle and sent him a challenge. Dilir was covered with shame; he abandoned his infamous plan and begged Sharza’s pardon. He then paid large bribes to Sharza and Venkatadri (the chief adviser and agent of Masaud), and through them seduced many of the Bijapuri nobles. "About 10,000 troopers of Adil Shah, consisting of Deccani Muslims, Afghans and Marathas, entered the Mughal service and gathered round Dilir, while only three or four thousand starving men remained with Masaud in Bijapur, and even these hankered for Mughal pay." (B.S. 481—486.)