History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c66.s4.6

v4.c66.s4.6

The enormous wealth of the country was derived from its well-watered fields which at once arrest the eye by their greenness and abundance of tropical fruits as the traveller enters the State from the arid and sterile region round Bijapur, its rich mines of diamond and iron, and its prosperous ports on the east coast from Chicacole southwards to St. Thome. The king had a secure income of 2¾ krores of Rupees, which could easily maintain all his personal luxury and at the same time pay for the inglorious defence of his country by the arms of a subsidized ally. This wealth became the cause of his ruin after Bijapur had fallen and Mughal imperialistic ambition hungered for fresh food.