History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c66.s4.1

v4.c66.s4.1

The Qutb-Shahi kingdom was badly situated for defending itself. Its northern frontier, adjoining the Mughal dominion, was an open plain, without any natural stronghold, inaccessible mountain, or barren and arid belt like those that protected Bijapur on the north. But so long as Bijapur stood, Golkonda was safe. (Fryer, ii. 51.) Aurangzib knew it, and therefore did not try to annex the latter first. Nor was it necessary for him to do so. As Bernier noted, "Aurangzib has no great inducement to march troops into that kingdom (Golkonda), which he probably considers as his own. It has long been tributary to the Mughal . . . Aurangzib's ordinary ambassador at the Court of Golkonda issues his commands, grants passports, menaces and ill-treats the people, and in short, speaks and acts with the uncontrolled authority of an absolute sovereign.” (194-195.)