History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s10.3

v4.c64.s10.3

As they advised the Bombay factory: "The king (i.e., Aurangzib) being so near us, both you and we must . . . prudently contrive to act the best for our Masters' interests, keeping fair with all. . . .¹ We much desire to keep fair with Shambhuji Rajah, and would not afford him the least seeming face of displeasure,¹ so far as in us lies; but such is our necessities, as we have no reason to think him our friend because of the Siddis' being continually supplied by our island; and yet he continues fair with us, not out of any respect to us, but of kindness to himself, reaping a great benefit from our trading to the *Kurlas*, which brings into him a great deal of money yearly." Therefore Shambhuji did not declare war against the English. [24 April, 1682; also Surat Consultation of 26 April.]