History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c68.s5.2

v4.c68.s5.2

This natural distrust of Shias hindered the Emperor's business. At first the only high and distinguished officer at the siege was Firuz Jang. As for Khan-i-Jahan, he was fighting in Northern India. The only other great general, Ruhullah Khan (Paymaster-General), was a Persian Shia, and hence he was at first suspiciously kept in the rear at Bijapur, and called to Golkonda only after five and a half months had elapsed from the opening of the siege and the Mughals had been driven into the sorest straits. Persians, though undoubtedly the cleverest among the Islamic peoples, were now jealously kept out of the post of Chief of Artillery which was of the first importance in a siege.*