History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s10.21

v4.c64.s10.21

Pissurlencar, after quoting from the Goa records, suggests (ii. 13) that the Viceroy allowed the Mughal army a free passage through the Portuguese province of Daman (“the North”) to the Maratha district of North Konkan and later permitted a Mughal provision-fleet from Surat to victual Ranmast Khan in Kalian by passing unimpeded up the Thana creek, which was commanded by Portuguese forts,—“with a view probably to avert any conflict with the Mughal power.” But, reading between the lines, one is inclined to believe that Aurangzib’s agents heavily bribed the Viceroy. (See the Viceroy’s letter of 12th April 1683, effusively reciting his acts of friendliness to the Mughals in their war with Shambhuji, ii. 21-23.)