History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s15.6

v4.c64.s15.6

The contagion spread. The whole coast region was up in arms against Shambhuji. As the Surat factors write (21st April), "Shambhuji Rajah's affairs on this coast are in no good condition, the Mughal pressing hard upon him hath made some of his own people to rise up against him." In the same month we learn, "the desai of Kadra is in rebellion and has robbed some merchants and burnt several houses belonging to the Rajah's [i.e., Shambhuji's] people, and the subahdar with his people have been there and burnt his house, and he is flown into the woods for refuge, but is daily expected to return and do more mischief, for he is assisted by the Dalvi, who is still in rebellion with the desais about Phonda and those parts. And it is now reported that Seyacka [=Sharza Khan] doth take part with ditto rebels, and is come to Ramghat with 6,000 horse, part of which are already down the Ghat,—which has made Ramchandra Pandit and Dharmaji Pandit [the local Maratha governors] fly away in such haste that they have left some of their elephants behind them....It is thought the Dalvi will come suddenly to take this country" [Karwar to Surat, 8 Apr. 1685, in O.M. 118.] In January next (1686) we have the same sickening tale of dissolution of Government.