History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c66.s4.2

v4.c66.s4.2

The Emperor found it more profitable and cheaper to fleece and terrorize the Qutb-Shahi Government than to extinguish it. The Mughal “Resident” at Haidarabad domineered over the king and the people, insulted and taxed them, but without provoking armed protest. Mirza Muhammad, an exceptionally rude and heartless envoy, was sent by Aurangzib to Abul Hasan expressly for the purpose of goading him into defiance and thus giving the Emperor a valid pretext for exterminating him. As he told the envoy, “I am not really sending you there to get these useless bits of stone (namely, two famous diamonds possessed by Qutb Shah) which I do not care for. My sole intention is that you should not humour him, but bandy words with him so fearlessly that he too may be harsh to you and thus give me a justification for extirpating him. As far as possible quarrel with him, and never treat him politely in private or public.” (K.K. ii. 294.)