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History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c69: Chapter XLVIII. Downfall of the Maratha Kingdom.

History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c69

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Contents

Chapter XLVIII. Downfall of the Maratha Kingdom.

§ 1. Defeat of Pam Nayak of Sagar.

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On the surrender of Bijapur (12th Sep. 1686), Aurangzib appointed his own governor and other officers and made the Adil-Shahi kingdom a regular subah of the Mughal empire. His generals were sent to the different parts of the newly-conquered country to make a revenue settlement, maintain peace, and take charge of the forts. (M.A. 282-283). By the month of November we read of 20 fortresses having been conquered by the Mughals. (Ish. 111 a.) Early next year (1687) Ibrahimgarh or Yadagiri and Turgal were won by Firuz Jang and Qasim Khan respectively. But from February to September the Mughal forces were concentrated at the siege of Golkonda, and it was only after the fall of that fort (21st Sep. 1687) that the imperialists could renew their activity in the provinces of the old Adil-Shahi kingdom.

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The first campaign was directed against the Berad* clan, who ruled over "the delightful, fresh and fertile land'' (M.A. 307) situated in the fork between the Krishna and the Bhima, with their capital at Sagar. They had inflicted a crushing defeat on the Mughals under Dilir Khan only seven years ago (Feb. 1680), and their strategic position almost midway between the forts of Bijapur and Golkonda made it imperatively necessary to conquer them. Pam Nayak, the ruling Berad chieftain, commanded 12,000 cavalry and a hundred thousand infantry, mostly militiamen, but also including many hardy, accurate and steady marksmen. Sagar was reputed as an impregnable fortress in that age. His great military power made his friendship an object of eager desire to his neighbours, and he had been induced to send aid to both Bijapur and Golkonda during their late siege. The offence could not be left unpunished by Aurangzib.

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∗ The Beydurs of Shorapur in Meadows Taylor's Story of My Life M A is confused in spelling the name of the Berad chieftain who ruled up to 1687, as Padam, Pam and Pid, while his nephew and successor was Pidia I have called the former Pam (See Vol. V, Ch 56 §2 and 3 foot notes)

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The Emperor detached from Haidarabad a large army under Khanazad Khan (the son of Ruhullah Khan), with instructions to intimidate Pam Nayak into submission and bring him to the Court as a vassal. Fighting was to be avoided and the homes of the people spared, unless the mere demonstration of force failed. The terror of Mughal arms inspired by the fall of Bijapur and Golkonda within one year, did the work. Pam Nayak submitted, gave up his fort (28th November), in which now for the first time the Muslim creed was chanted and a mosque built.

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Pam Nayak was a huge strongly-built uncouth savage with a jet-black complexion. He was presented to the Emperor on 27th December 1687, but suddenly died after five days. His country was annexed, but his sons were provided for with mansabs. (M.A. 304-7.)

§ 2. Conquest of the provinces of Bijapur.

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Mughal enterprise was next directed towards the east and the south of the newly-conquered States. "Part of the army was ordered against the king of Kanara" (i e., Rajah of Sunda) at the close of the year 1687. (O.C. 5642.) And on the 25th of January next Firuz Jang was sent at the head of 25,000 cavalry to conquer the district of Karnul and the fort of Adoni,* south of the Tungabhadra, where Siddi Masaud was now reigning in independence. Firuz Jang's call for surrender was rejected by the Siddi. Then the Mughals sacked the prosperous villages of this province, burnt the pettah at the foot of Adoni, and invested the fort. At last on 6th August 1688, Siddi Masaud was induced to capitulate; his fort was occupied and renamed Imtiaz-garh, the Siddi was enrolled in the Mughal peerage as a 7-hazari, his sons and relatives were highly favoured, the Court-band played joyous notes on hearing of the success, and the courtiers made their bow of congratulation at the submission of the most powerful noble of Bijapur.

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∗ The accumulated treasure and regalia of the Adil Shahs were believed to have been removed to Adoni by Masaud during his wazirship (M A 308) Siege of Adoni in M A 308, 315 316 Ishwardas (124 127) gives a very long account of this expedition and a descr p tion of the fort. The Emperor's letter to Masaud accepting his submission is given in A S B MS F 56 p 126 and Asafiya Library MS Insha 59 folio 48 K K ii 372 and Dil 94a (meagre)

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Prince Azam had been sent with 40,000 veteran cavalry against Shambhuji on 25th January, 1688. He marched into the south-western corner of the Bijapur kingdom, captured the strong fort of Belgaum after a siege, and then returned to Court (at Bijapur) to encamp for the rainy season. (M.A. 308 and 315; Ishwardas, 127 b-130 b, gives a long account of the siege, wrongly calling the fort Banglur.) In other directions, too, "innumerable forts were captured by the imperialists" (M.A. 311.)

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The Emperor left Haidarabad on 25th January 1688, and after making a leisurely progress by way of Bidar, the tank of Kamtan and the shrine of Kulbarga, arrived at Bijapur on 15th March. Here his attention was taken up by the necessity of giving relief to the people who had fallen into want through the ruin of the city and its environs during the late long and desolating siege, the disappearance of the Adil-Shahi Court and nobles and their charity, and probably also some of the severe diseases which always walk on the heels of war. The chief want of the citizens was the lack of drinking-water, because the aqueducts were damaged during the siege and the water suddenly dried up (probably from this cause.) Mukhlis Khan, the Mir Atish, was ordered to cut a canal for conveying the water of the Krishna to the city. (M.A. 310, 313; Dil. 203; Ishwar. 123 b, cost Rs. 35,000.)

§ 3. Plague at Bijapur.

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When the rainy season ended and the imperialists were about to set out on a vigorous and extensive campaign for crushing the Marathas, a terrible epidemic broke out in the city of Bijapur and the imperial camp, at the beginning of November, 1688. "First a bubo appeared in the arm-pit and the corner of the thigh, then high fever and unconsciousness supervened; medical treatment produced no effect; few men lived beyond two days, but most died in less......Even the survivors, on seeing the prevailing state of things, considered themselves as dead. No one looked after anybody else. The half-dead people abstained from all worldly work and lay expecting death every hour ...Joyous practices ceased. All sat down sunk in mourning. Death wanted to remove even the seed-corn of the human race from this world. It was a Day of Judgment which made great and small alike lose their lives.”

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“Among the victims were the Emperor’s old and devoted wife Aurangabadi Mahal, Maharajah Jaswant’s son Muhammadi-Raj who had been brought up in the imperial harem and reached the age of 13, Fazil Khan the *Sadar*, and many other grandees. The middle class and poor people, both Hindu and Muhammadan, who died, cannot be counted, but are conjectured to have been not less than a lakh. Many [saved their lives] but had disorder of the brain or loss of sight, speech or hearing. Firuz Jang’s eyes were lost.” (*M.A.* 317-’18.)

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But the Emperor firmly set out on his campaign on the appointed date, 14th December, 1688, and a week afterwards the fury of the epidemic abated. He marched on to Akluj, 85 miles north of Bijapur, and there at the end of January he received the happy news that Shambhuji had been captured.

§ 4. Last efforts of Akbar in India.

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But before we turn to the final scene of the tragedy of the Maratha king, it is necessary to complete the story of his ally, Prince Muhammad Akbar. We have seen (Ch. 44 § 20) how his rupture with Shambhuji was patched up in November 1683 by Durgadas and Kavi-kalash and he continued to live in Maratha territory, though as an unwilling guest. 'His father's emissaries at first continued to visit him, tempting him to return with offers of pardon and restoration to favour. (*Storia*, ii. 258-259.) But nothing came of these negotiations. In fact, the canonical sentence of deposition which Akbar had issued against his father and the taunting letters* he had addressed to him in 1681, had dug a gulf of hate between the two, which nothing could cross. On 12th April, 1685, a slave of Akbar came to the Emperor with a present of two horses, but he was refused audience and ordered to speak to Princess Zinat-un-nisa. (*M.A.* 256.)

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In September and November 1684 the English factors of Surat report a rumour that Akbar at the head of 15,000 horse and Shambhuji with 10,000 were getting ready to sack Surat. (*Surat to Co.* 26th Sep. and 29th Nov. in *F. R. Surat* 91 and *O. C.* 5206.) But nothing came of it.† Sardar Tarin, an Afghan of the imperial service used to recruit soldiers in secret in Aurangzib's camp at Ahmadnagar and send them to Akbar. He was detected and put to death (early 1685.) (*Dil.* 184.) Next year, Abdus Shakur (son of Uzbak Khan), a dismissed imperial officer, fled from Sholapur with 180 Uzbak soldiers and joined Akbar. (Ish. 108 b.) About 20th July 1685, the Emperor ordered Kar Talb Khan, the governor of Ahmadabad, to bar Akbar's northward path to Agra. In October 1685, a body of 4,000 rebels killed the imperial governor and other officers of Broach and took possession of the city in the name of Akbar, whom they proclaimed Emperor there. At the same time a rumour spread that Akbar was advancing to join them with 30,000 men, and that some of his forces were coming to Surat. But the insurrection failed. (Surat to James King, 30th Oct. in F.R. Surat 92. Mirat-i-Ahmadi, 339, describes it as a religious outbreak quite unconnected with Akbar.)

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∗ Translated by me in my *Studies in Mughal India*, pp 96-108

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† There were similar rumours in 1687, after Akbar had left India! (*O. C.* 5563 and 5621, dated 10 Feb and 29th Sep)

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Akbar's real dash into Mughal territory was at last made in June 1686, after the Emperor had left Sholapur to join the siege of Bijapur and Mughal Deccan was denuded of his forces. The attempt, however, failed, because the Emperor with his usual foresight had left Murhamat Khan (a grandson of Jafar Khan) with a division to guard Ahmadnagar. The Khan "calling to his side all the faujdars of the district, fought a severe battle with Akbar near Chakan, and defeated and repulsed him. Akbar went back to Shambhuji's dominions," foiled in his design of marching to Northern India and joining the Rajputs. (Dil. 200.)

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Ishwardas Nagar who, though an officer of the imperial Government, was in touch with Durgadas and the Rathors, gives the following account of the last activities of Akbar in India:

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"A despatch from the thanahdar of Shirwal informed the Emperor that Shambhuji was intending to send Akbar to some place in Northern India at the head of a large army. The Emperor ordered Prince Azam with 30,000 horse to go towards Ahmadnagar, close the path of the rebel, and catch him wherever he might be passing... When Azam reached Kandapur, Akbar in fear fled through the wilderness with a thousand hardships to the neighbourhood of Salhir. Azam arrived near fort Ahivantgarh, in pursuit. Akbar escaped to Mahuli with great difficulty and fatigue."

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"After this the Emperor learnt from the newsletter of Shirwal, that Akbar had gone from Mahuli to Kalian-Bhivandi, halted there for two or three days, then crossed the hilly country to the environs of Panhala, where a severe battle was fought with the imperialists, after which he found his advance impossible and retired to the hills again."

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"Sayyid Muhammad, the son of Mariam Mughalani, having by the Emperor's order carried a conciliatory letter from Zinat-un-nisa Begam to Akbar, brought back a reply, in which the Prince asked for forgiveness. An imperial farman was at once sent to Akbar assuring him of safety and asking him to come quickly...One month afterwards, spies brought the news that Akbar after roaming in all directions in the valley of despair and finding no way for escape, had gone to Shambhuji, taken aid from him, marched to Mahuli, made war preparations there, and then advanced to Shahpur, wishing to march [towards Surat] by way of Jawhar. The Emperor remarked, ‘Eternal misery has seized him and is making him roam over hills and deserts’.”...

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“Spies reported that Akbar under the guidance of Raghubir Khande, the brother of Tukaram [= Vikram ?] Trimbak, the zamindar of Jawhar, had reached the Portuguese frontier [? Daman] and wished to turn back thence and reach Hindustan. Azam was directed to hasten in pursuit and block his path to the imperial territory.”......

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“A secret letter from the army of Prince Azam informed the Emperor that spies had brought to the Prince the news that Durgadas had embarked Akbar in a ship and leaving him had himself gone back to Jodhpur.” (Ish. 108 b, 109 b-110 b, 113 a, 119 a.) With Zia-ud-din Muhammad (a former follower of Shuja) and 45 retainers, Akbar embarked in a ship hired at Rajapur (commanded by Bendal, an Englishman), and sailed for Persia (in Feb. 1687), but was driven by stress of weather to the port of Masqat. (K. K. ii. 285.) He reached the Persian Court at Isfahan on 24th January, 1688.*

§ 5. Internal condition of the Maratha kingdom and Shambhuji's doings, 1685-1687.

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While Aurangzib was directing the full strength of his empire against Bijapur and Golkonda, Shambhuji made no adequate effort to meet the danger that threatened all the Deccani Powers alike. His soldiers plundered places in the Mughal territory as a matter of routine, but these raids did not influence the military situation. Aurangzib disregarded such pin-pricks, as he knew that he would be able to destroy Shambhuji for ever after he had put an end to the Adil-Shahi and Qutb-Shahi States. The Maratha king was not wise enough to follow any large and well-thought-out plan for diverting the Mughals from the sieges of Bijapur and Golkonda and averting their fall. Indeed, while he was sunk in pleasure, his Government was hopelessly weakened by rebellions among his vassals and plots among his courtiers, [ante Ch. 44 § 21.]

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∗ The *Jedhe Shakavali* states that Akbar went by ship to Persia in Falgun Shaka 1608 (=Feb 1687). This is supported by Kæmpfer (as quoted in Orme's *Fragments*, 292) who says that "Akbar arrived in that part of Arabia bordering on Persia in the beginning of the year 1687 . and at Isfahan on 24th January, 1688." Ishwardas (119) places Akbar's departure from India after Shah Alam's imprisonment (which took place in Feb 1687). Orme's statement (*Frag* 149) that Akbar embarked at Rajapur as soon as the monsoon was changed in Oct 1686 and arrived at Masqat in Nov, is evidently based on *O. C.* 5621, Madras to Surat dated 29 Sep 1687, which states, "Mr Dobson, belonging to Calicut, assures us he saw Sultan Akbar in November last at Masqat, and that he and his retinue were designed for Persia." Here the month must be wrong. Full history of Akbar's life in Persia, K. K. ii. 286-290, 450, 546; *Storia*, ii. 279, 322; *Ruqat* No 95, *M. A.* 484 (Ante, iii. ch 27 § 3).

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Within a few years of the accession of Shambhuji, nearly all the officers who had contributed to the glory of his father's reign disappeared. The Peshwa Moro Trimbak Pinglé died in October 1680. Annaji Datto (second only to the Peshwa in influence and ability) was put to death with his brother Somaji Datto (a civil administrator), Hiraji Farzand (a distinguished general), Balaji Avji (the cleverest of secretaries), Mahadji Anant and 23 other officers of leading positions, for their participation in the plot to kill Shambhuji and crown Rajaram (Aug.-Oct. 1681.) Raghunath Narayan Hanumanté was arrested in the Eastern Karnatak over which he ruled, in December 1680, and though taken back into State employ after a suspension of two years, in January 1683, died within four months of it (4th May.) His brother Janardan, followed him to the grave a month afterwards (28 June 1683.) Netaji Palkar, the most dashing of Shivaji's generals, is last heard of in July 1681, and he evidently died of age and the hardships endured during the many years spent by him in active service in Afghanistan as a forced convert to Islam and a Mughal captain. Avji Pandit (Avji Mahadev), whom the English describe as a person of great esteem and quality, who commanded the army next under the Peshwa in Shivaji's time, was dismissed in January 1682.

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In this dearth of talent at the Maratha Court and camp, Kavi-kalash's ability shone more conspicuously and his predominance became naturally unrivalled, while Shambhuji's affairs in the outlying parts of his dominions suffered from the lack of competent agents on the spot. The evil was aggravated by fresh conspiracies against the king, which were inevitably followed by the execution or at least imprisonment of more Maratha generals and ministers of leading positions. We hear of the arrest of Manaji Moré (a great general), Gangadhar Pant, Vasudev Pant, and Sahuji Somnath on 29th Oct. 1684 [J.S.] A few months later Hambir Rao (the commander-in-chief) is said to be in prison along with Rajaram. [Karwar to Surat, 8 Apr. 1685 in O.M. 118.] At all events, there is a surprising silence about Hambir Rao's doings after 1683 which shows that he was out of favour and office, even if not in prison. What could not the enterprising spirit, eye for the actual situation and promptness in seizing it, which Netaji and Hambir possessed, have done for Shambhuji in his war with the Portuguese and his attempt to raise Aurangzib's last siege of Bijapur?

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The Madras Karnatak, a kingdom in itself, had practically passed out of Shambhuji's control and was ruled by his brother-in-law Harji Mahadik with the title of Maharajah in semi-independence. (Vol. V, Ch. 51 § 2.)

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In May 1685, after Aurangzib had advanced to Sholapur to direct the siege of Bijapur, the Marathas tried to enter the fort of Ahmadnagar by escalade at night, but the attempt was defeated by the vigilance of the qiladar Sayyid Zain-ul-abidin Bukhari. (Dil. 186.) A month after the fall of Bijapur, the Marathas appeared near Mangalvide (Oct. 1686), but could do nothing. (M.A. 283.) The Emperor now "turned his arms against Shambhuji and laid siege to a famous castle," evidently Panhala, (O.C. 5534, dated 30th Nov. 1686.) Many Maratha forts fell into his hands from this time onwards, and the Marathas gained only isolated successes over small detachments or grain convoys of the imperialists.* In May 1687, the Maratha qiladars of Salhir (named Asuji in M.A. and Krishnaji by Ishwardas) and Saluna (? Sangola) sold their forts to the Mughals. (M.A. 297.) Kohaj fort (Thana district) was taken by Vikram (ex-Rajah of Jawhar) in March 1688, Hulgarh by Hasan Ali Khan (July), Samangarh by Bahadur Khan (Sep.), and Mahuli was offered by its qiladar for the same price as Salhir. [Jaipur records.]

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∗ Ishwardas's account of these operations is given in the appendix to this chapter, as I am doubtful about the correctness of his dates and order of events.

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As we have seen before (Ch. 44 § 21 & 24), there were frequent rebellions desertions and plots against Shambhuji after 1684, in addition to his family feud with the Shirkes and the intrigues of his other ministers against Kavi-kalash. On 12th February 1685, the English factors in Khandesh record a wild rumour: "Some time before this ......there was a report that a great Brahman had invited Shambhuji Rajah to a feast and clapped him in prison because he was remiss in his actions, and had set up Ram-Raja in his room." But they in the same letter contradict this rumour as false. A little later, 2nd March, the Karwar traders write, "It hath been for some time credibly reported here that Shambhuji is killed by some of his own people; which we are the more apt to believe is true, because there are so many desais and other people up in rebellion in his country, who formerly stood in great awe of him." They repeat the same rumour a month later: "Some say that Ram-Raja and Hambir Rao, that were both in prison, are got out and flown to Sharza Khan [who was said to have come to Ramghat with 6,000 horse.]......Here are various reports concerning Shambhuji Rajah. Some say he is dead, others say not; but in all probability we judge he is dead, or else he would have appeared before this to appease the rebels that are got together to destroy and spoil his country." [Karwar to Surat, 8 April 1685, in O.M. 118.] In January 1686 the state of things had not improved, and the English report that "the considerable persons who have revolted against Shambhuji Rajah are grown so strong as in appearance may be the downfall of the Rajah." [O.C. 5461.]

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The economic decay of the Maratha kingdom through Shambhuji's supine rule, the corruption of his officers, and the disorder caused by the rebels, is graphically described in the English factory records. They tell us,—"Europe commodities are afraid to come into Shambhuji's country by reason of his ministers' exactions; who not only take custom of us [the importers], but the [native] merchants too, with a peshkash exacted according to the quality [i.e., rank] of the person, which is really our loss." [Karwar 4 Sep. 1683.]

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In May 1685, owing to the disturbed condition of the Karwar region, slaves became so cheap that they could be had at a pagoda (Rs. 5) a head, while the normal price was thrice as much.

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At the same time the Surat factors write, "In former years there was a quantity of pepper about 1,500 khandi, it grew in and near about Rajapur; but now grows not the tenth part since that place hath been in Shivaji's hands;—not only the pepper is lost, but decayed in trade [so] that it is a miserable poor town [now.]"

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The cause of the ruin of trade and industry was misrule. The Karwar factors write (Nov. 1684): "This Government is eager and hungry after present interest, which suits ill with the rules of saving so much recommended to us [by the Directors at Home.] ...With the Rajah down to the Plowman the infection of peshkashing is so prevalent that nothing can be well done without it, or withstand it." Bombay writes on 2nd April 1685: "The weavers that came from Thanah and Chaul was about a twelve month since when the latter [town] was besieged by Shambhuji; and since there is come none... There was in number about 600 families [of weavers],—400 for want of encouragement did forsake this place in Keigwin's time, 150 of the remainder are dead; so that they are now about 50 [families.]"

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Near Karwar the ways were molested by Dalvi Desai, one of Shambhuji's revolted vassals. [O.M. 118, Bombay to Surat, 18 July, 1685.] In January next the evil was aggravated. "Karwar factory is under a great deal of trouble, [and the inland] parts under sufficient unhappiness and misery from the continually (sic) robberies etc. committed not only by the Rajah's own people in power, that in all places press severely on those that are under their government to supply the Rajah's wants, and fill their own pockets,—but likewise from considerable persons who have revolted against Shambhuji Rajah and are grown so strong ... that in his dominions there is little or no safety, and at best a great deal of hazard: trade in general obstructed." [O.C. 5461.]

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Shambhuji's absorption in pleasure and his failure to show himself to the public by appearing against the rebels at the head of his army, confirmed the popular belief that he was dead. The fall of such a king could not be long delayed, when an enemy like Aurangzib became free from other works.

§ 6. Capture and execution of Shambhuji.

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After the conspiracies against Shambhuji in June 1680 and October 1681 had been crushed, there was a fresh plot in October 1684, in consequence of which he threw Manaji Moré, Gangadhar and Vasudev Pandit, and Sahuji Somnath into prison, where they remained confined till his death. Things then continued quiet at his Court for four years. But in October 1688, the Shirké family again rose against him; they attacked Kavi-kalash and drove him into Khelna for refuge. Shambhuji marched from Raigarh to the rescue of his favourite, defeated and routed the rebels at Sangameshwar, and then went to Khelna. He arrested Prahlad Niraji and many other ministers and leading people on suspicion of complicity in the late rising, and after provisioning Khelna fort, started with Kavi-kalash for returning to his capital. On the way he arrived at Sangameshwar, 22 miles n. e. of Ratnagiri city, and the sacred junction of the Alak-nanda and Varuna rivers, where Kavi-kalash had laid out fine gardens and built nicely-decorated mansions for his master. Here, after sending his army and family back to Raigarh, Shambhuji plunged into drinking and merry-making, with a small escort and in utter carelessness. All vigilance was abandoned, as he believed the place to be impenetrable to Mughal arms.

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Shaikh Nizam, "chief among the servants of Qutb Shah," had been induced to desert to the Mughals during the siege of Golkonda (28th May, 1687.) His pre-eminent position and ability had been recognized by the Emperor immediately creating him a 6-hazari with the title of Muqarrab Khan and a cash reward of one lakh of Rupees, and giving high commands to his relatives, so that the mansabs held by this family totalled 25,000 men. (M.A. 296, 320.) This able and active general had been detached to lay siege to Panhala (1688). He sent out clever spies to get news about Shambhuji's whereabouts and movements.

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Muqarrab Khan, on hearing of Shambhuji's unguarded life of debauchery at Sangameshwar, lost no time. Taking with himself only 2,000 picked troopers and 1,000 infantry, he made a forced march from his camp at Kolhapur. Very great hardship was undergone in crossing the jungles, broken ground and lofty passes of the Western Ghats, at such a rapid pace. At every stage he had to leave many stragglers behind. But with his officers and some 300 troopers he arrived at Sangameshwar "with the speed of lightning and wind," covering the intervening 90 miles in two or three days. Shambhuji had been warned of the approach of an enemy force, but had rebuked his spies for their pains, saying, "You careless fellows, you are mad. Can any Mughal troops reach here?"* (M.A. 321.)

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When the invaders entered the town, Kavikalash offered them battle. [M.A.] He was wounded by an arrow in his right hand, and being unable to fight, dismounted. The Maratha force that had been hurriedly armed and assembled, being now without a leader, broke and fled Shambhuji and his minister then hid themselves in a hole in the floor of the latter's house. The Mughal general who had learnt of the hiding-place from his spies, without caring to pursue the fugitive army, surrounded Kavi-kalash's house. His son Ikhlas Khan with a party of brave men entered the room by the narrow steps, dragged the Rajah and his minister out of the hole by their long hair, and took them to the general on his elephant outside * Twenty-five of Shambhuji's chief followers with their wives and daughters were taken prisoner at this place Shambhuji was placed behind Muqarrab Khan on his elephant, and the other captives, heavily chained, on elephants, horses and camels and removed under strong guard with every precaution against escape or rescue, (1st February 1689) (M A 320-22, K K ii. 386, J S. for date.)

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∗ K. K., ii. 385, adds that he ordered the tongues of his spies to be cut out, (evidently a graphic touch from Khafi Khan's imagination.) Chitnis (ii. 18) says that the Mughal general (miscalled Elchi Beg) marched unopposed by pretending that he was an ambassador charged with proposals of peace.

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The news of the capture soon reached the imperial camp at Akluj and caused a wild outburst of rejoicing in all parts of the imperial dominions. The Muslims in particular were exultant, a great terror had been lifted from their hearts The peasants hoped that they would now live in peace. The Court and the army felt that this success had put the dome and crown on their final victories over Bijapur and Golkonda and that their work in the Deccan had reached its completion. In the pardonable hyperbole of the Court historian, "The merry music of victory resounded through the sky...... Peace and security were restored. Disorder sank down, Satan was chained." (M.A. 320.) Ten thousand Rupees were immediately sent by the Emperor to the tomb of the saint of Kulbarga for distribution as a thanks-offering.

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∗ According to Khafi Khan Shambhuji had rapidly shaved off his hair and beard smeared himself with ashes and put on the disguise of a sannyasi but he was recognised by the necklace of pearls he wore under his dress and the gold rings round the fetlocks of his horse I have followed the account of the official history (M A) based on contemporary records

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On 15th February the imperial camp reached Bahadurgarh, when the captives were brought there, under guard of Hamid-ud-din Khan. By the Emperor's orders, the oppressor of the Deccan was made a mark of public ridicule. Four miles outside the encampment, Shambhuji and Kavi-kalash were dressed as buffoons with long fool's caps and bells placed on their heads, mounted on camels, and brought to Bahadurgarh with drums beating and trumpets pealing. Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the roads, to gaze at Shambhuji as at a new kind of wild beast or demon. Thus degraded, the captives were slowly paraded through the entire camp and finally brought to the Emperor who was sitting in full darbar for the occasion. At the sight of the prisoner, Aurangzib descended from his throne and kneeling down on the carpet bowed his head to the ground in double thankfulness to the Giver of this crowning victory.* After he had looked at them, the captives were removed to prison.

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"The night before the arrival of Shambhuji nobody slept in the expectation of seeing the grand spectacle; and the day following was a veritable Id or day of universal rejoicing." (M.A. 322.)

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According to one account (K. K. ii. 388), some of the Emperor's counsellors wanted to spare Shambhuji's life and thus induce him to order his officers to surrender all his forts peacefully. Ishwardas (156 a) says that Ruhullah Khan was sent by Aurangzib to learn from Shambhuji where he kept his treasures hidden and which of the imperial officers used to correspond with him. Fretting with bitterness of soul at being publicly insulted and now driven to despair, Shambhuji spurned at the offer of life, loosened his tongue in abuse of the Emperor and his Prophet, and scurrilously asked for one of Aurangzib's daughters to be given to him as the price of his friendship. The envoy without daring to report such a speech, sent only a hint about its nature to the Emperor.

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∗ K. K. (388) narrates a tradition that when Aurangzib was thus praying, Kavi kalash addressed impromptu Hindi verses to Shambhuji saying, "O Rajah! even Aurangzib dare not sit on the throne in thy presence, but must kneel to do thee homage!" Ishwardas (155b) says that Shambhuji refused to bow to the Emperor, though urged to do so.

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The Maratha Rajah had sinned beyond hope of pardon. That very night his eyes were blinded and next day the tongue of Kavi-kalash was cut out. (M. A. 323.) The Muhammadan theologians pronounced a decree that Shambhuji should be put to death on account of his having "slain captured and dishonoured Muslims and plundered the cities of Islam." The Emperor, seeing no chance of getting anything out of Shambhuji, consented to his death. After undergoing a fortnight of torture and insult, the captives were removed with the imperial camp to Koregaon, on the bank of the Bhima, 12 m. n. e. of Puna, (on 3rd March), and there they were put to a cruel and painful death on 11th March, their limbs being hacked off one by one, (M. A. 325; Ish. 156 b) and their flesh thrown to the dogs. (Storia, ii. 311.) Their severed heads were stuffed with straw and exhibited in all the chief cities of the Deccan to the accompaniment of drum and trumpet. (K. K. ii. 389; Ish. 156 b.)

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The captor of Shambhuji was rewarded with the title of Khan-i-Zaman Bahadur Fath Jang, a cash gift of Rs. 50,000, a suit of royal robes, horses, elephants, jewelled arms, and promotion to the rank of a 7-hazari. His son Ikhlas Khan was created a 5-*hazari* and Khan-i-Alam. All other officers of the expedition were promoted. (M.A. 324.)

§ 7. The war in 1689; capture of Raigarh and Shambhuji's entire family.

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When the campaigning season opened in November 1688, Firuz Jang was appointed against Shambhuji; but he was detained at Bijapur by the trouble in his eyes which ended, after a prolonged illness, in total blindness. Prince Azam was then given this task, about the middle of December. (M.A. 319.) He marched to the North Puna district and encamped near Chakan for some time (M.A. 326.) While the Mughal siege of Panhala was going on in a slack and slow manner, Shambhuji was captured (Feb. 1689.) After this event many of the Maratha forts quickly fell into the hands of the imperialists. But their enterprise was turned into a labour of Sisyphus by the escape of Rajaram.

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This Prince had been kept by Shambhuji in prison. After the downfall of the latter, he was crowned (8th Feb.) by the Maratha ministers in Raigarh, as Shambhuji's son Shahu (afterwards Shivaji II.) was too young to be the head of a State engaged in a life and death struggle with an enemy like Aurangzib. Soon afterwards an imperial army under Itiqad Khan laid siege to the Maratha capital, but Rajaram escaped from it (5th April) in the guise of a yogi. (Post, Ch. 50 § 2.) Sayyid Abdullah Khan (of Barha), the new subahdar of Bijapur, who was then besieging two forts in Bijapuri Karnatak, tried to intercept the fugitive. His spies reported that Rajaram with 300 of his high officers had entered the kingdom of Bednur. The Sayyid sent his son Hasan Ali Khan thither with his Van, while he brought up the rear by forced marches. In three days the enemy were overtaken "near the forts of Subhangarh and Jara* on the bank of the Tungabhadra." The Marathas who had taken refuge in an island, were attacked at night, surrounded and overpowered, after a bloody fight. Many were put to the sword, and a hundred of their chiefs,—including Hindu Rao, Ankoji "brother of Shambha" [? Shanta Ghorparé], Baharji and Mania Ghoreparé—were made prisoner. But Rajaram contrived to escape with his bare life while his comrades were carrying on the fight.

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For some time he hid himself in the territory of the Rani of Bednur (now the Shimoga district of Mysore.) But a Mughal force under Jan Nisar Khan having invaded her country to punish her for harbouring Rajaram, she let him escape to Jinji (1st Nov.) in Madras, and then made her peace with the Emperor by paying a small fine. The Maratha captives were confined in the citadel of Bijapur, but in a short time Hindu Rao, Baharji, and some twenty other chiefs escaped from the stronghold,—a feat "which was impossible except with the connivance of their guards." (M.A., 329.) At this the Emperor put the remaining 80 prisoners to death and removed Abdullah from the subahdar-ship of Bijapur.

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∗ Jara may be a copyist's error for Hirra, a place in the Bellary district due east of Bankapur, but some distance across and east of the Tungabhadra. Neither Subhangarh nor Jara is found in the maps.

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As early as December 1688, Itiqad Khan (a son of the prime minister Asad Khan) had been deputed to lay siege to Raigarh. After a long struggle he captured the fort* on 19th October 1689, and seized in it Shivaji's surviving widows, and Shambhuji's and Rajaram's wives, daughters and sons, including Shahu, a boy of seven. The captives were brought to the imperial camp at Koregaon on 23rd November. The ladies were lodged in separate tents with every respect and privacy. Shahu was given the rank of a 7-hazari and the title of Rajah.

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∗ Manucci (ii. 312) tells the absurd story that Yesu Bai surrendered Raigarh and 22 forts to the Mughals in order to vent her spite at Rajaram being crowned instead of her own son, and that she was afterwards poisoned with her sons by the Maratha garrison. Chitnis (ii. 22) and Ishwardas (153 b) both state what is more probable, that Yesu Bai and her counsellors felt that after the death of Shambhuji and the flight of Rajaram and many captains from the country, further resistance to the Mughals was hopeless and that the peaceful surrender of Raigarh was likely to serve Shahu's interests best.

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but kept a prisoner near the imperial tent, while his brothers Madan Singh and Adhu (? Madhu) Singh were permitted to live with their mothers and grandmothers, with proper allowances and establishments of officers. (M.A. 331-332.)

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Thus, by the end of the year 1689, Aurangzib was the unrivalled lord paramount of Northern India and the Deccan alike. Adil Shah, Qutb Shah, and Rajah Shambhuji had all fallen and their dominions had been annexed to his empire.

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"All seemed to have been gained by Aurangzib now; but in reality all was lost. It was the beginning of his end. The saddest and most hopeless chapter of his life now opened. The Mughal empire had become too large to be ruled by one man or from one centre...His enemies rose on all sides; he could defeat but not crush them for ever. Lawlessness reigned in many parts of Northern and Central India. The administration grew slack and corrupt. The endless war in the Deccan exhausted his treasury. Napoleon I. used to say, 'It was the Spanish ulcer which ruined me.' The Deccan ulcer ruined Aurangzib." (My Studies in Mughal India, 50.)

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Ishwardas Nagar's Narrative of Events, 1685-'90.

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[The correct dates are given within square brackets]

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Capitulation of Golkonda [21 Sep 1687]

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Siege of Bijapur—surrender of Sikandar Adil Shah [12 Sep. 1686] Marriage of Bidar Bakht to the daughter of Mukhtar Khan [21 Nov 1686] Turgal captured by Qasim Kh and Ibrahimgarh by Firuz Jang [Jan 1687]

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Emperor goes to Kulbarga [Dec 1686 and again on 25 Feb 1688] and thence to the tank of Kamtan [7 Feb 1688]

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Despatch from Ruhullah Khan "When the Khan had gone to the further side of the Krishna, Anand Rao a general of Shambhu, had entered the imperial dominion to collect chauth, but was defeated and dispersed by a force under Khanahzad Kh detached by Ruhullah"

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Emperor goes towards Bidar [Jan 1688]

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Azam, in hunting Akbar, reaches Kandapur, Akbar flees to the neighbourhood of Salhir, while Azam arrives near Ahivantgarh and bars the road Akbar next goes to Mahuli, and thence to Kalian Bhivandi (where he halts for 2 or 3 days) and then reaches the environs of Panhala, where a severe battle is fought with the imperialists after which Akbar retires to the hills again

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Emperor enters Bidar, [Dec 1686 and again on 7 Feb 1688]

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Mughals capture fort of Sangola, [May 1687] Zinat un nisa writes to Akbar to come back and receive the Emperor's pardon, Akbar replies agreeing But one month afterwards, spies bring the news that Akbar has gone to Shambhu, made war preparations in fort Mahuli then advanced to Shahpur, 20 kos from the ocean, and wished to pass by way of Jawhar 5 kos from the imperial frontier, leaving Daman on his right (? or left) hand

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A despatch from Qasim Kh "The imperialists have captured 20 forts belonging to Bijapur"

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Emperor sends Qalich Khan with a large army to chastise the enemy [i.e., Marathas] who making Mahuli their base used to attack the imperialists and seize the parganahs of Bijapur. Severe battle, many slain on both sides. Battle renewed next day. Emperor, on hearing of it, sends up reinforcements under Bahramand Khan and Firuz Jang. Battle for two days more. Rustam Khan wounded, his elephant killed. Enemy repulsed.

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Habibullah, qiladar of Shahpur, made captive and his fort seized by Shambhuji's men.

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Akbar, under the guidance of Khande, the brother of Tukaram Trimbak, zamindar of Jawhar, arrives near the Feringi [Portuguese] frontier and wishes to march to Hindustan. Azam sent to bar his path.

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Nur Muhammad, thanahdar of Sangola, made prisoner by the Marathas.

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Shah Alam's misconduct—is imprisoned, [21 Feb. 1687.]

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Ramsej conquered by the imperialists.

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Neknam Khan, qiladar of Mulhir, induces Krishnaji, the Maratha qiladar of Salhir, to sell the fort to the imperialists. [May, 1687.]

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Battle with the Marathas, 4 kos from the imperial camp—Kishore Singh Hada, Muhakam Singh, Ram Singh, Harnath Singh and many other Rajputs slain. Firuz Jang brings up reinforcements and repulses the enemy.

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News that Durgadas had embarked Akbar in a ship and had himself returned to Rajputana, (Badhnaur and Ratlam). Azam captures fort Harichandan, belonging to Shambhuji. News, Akbar arrived at Masqat. (Feb. 1687.)

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Bogus Akbar set up by Gangaram, rebel, in Kalpi. Mujahid Khan conquers fort Udgir from Abdul Aziz's followers. Muqarrab Khan captures forts Kularas and Nalgonda in the Karnatak.

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News from Bijapur, "Rahim-dad, a servant of Shambhu, arrived near Panchamgarh and began to oppress and conquer; was defeated and captured by Ihtisham Kh. and Naroji Raghu, after 2000 men had been slain on the two sides together."

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Mughals capture Karnul, Audhla and Thikir (? Thanknir.) Akbar at Masqat and lastly at the Persian Court. [Jan. 1688.]

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Emperor revisits Bijapur [15 March 1688] removes water scarcity there Adoni captured [16 Aug 1688] also Sanchuli and Harkumar close to Adoni

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Six months campaign against Rani of Bednur who at last submits Prince Azam conquers Belgaum [text reads Banglur] from Sayyid Muhammad after 3½ months of campaigning [May 1688]

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Rising of Raja Ram Jat near Agra—he plunders the tomb of Akbar at Sikandra—is killed [4 July 1688]

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Rising of Gopal Singh Gaur grandson of Pahar Singh Gaur near Gwalior

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Fort Trimbak captured by Mutamad Kh

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Shah Alam's ladies removed to Delhi [June 1689]

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Marathas defeat and capture Khidmat talab Kh thanahdar of Pain ghat

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The brothers of Hambir Rao set out with Shambhuji's captain to plunder imperial territory—severe battle with Itiqad Kh near Malkapur heavy slaughter on both sides—Marathas flee towards Nasik abandoning the booty they had brought away from other places

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Sayyid Abdullah Kh arrives near Rahiri (Raigarh) intending to besiege it Madhaji the son of Shambhuji makes a wax model of the fort assisted by the son of Kavi kalash Siege postponed by order

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Shambhuji's qiladar of Panhala sells it to the Mughals

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Khan i Zaman Fath Jang Kh fights an obstinate battle with the Marathas near Kolhapur—is severely wounded with his son—Emperor sends Dr Sebastian to treat him

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Near Satara Rustam Khan [Sharza] Bijapuri is defeated and captured by Santa Ghorpare Jadon Phadke [? Dhana Jadav] and Manaji More—his family carried off into Satara fort by Hambir Rao [May 1690]

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Rupa Bhonsle wounds Siddi Abdul Qadir when travelling from his fief Lakhsir [? Lakshmishwar]

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Turkish envoy arrives [July—Sep 1690] Emperor at Bijapur Muhammadi Raj dies [Nov 1688]

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Son born to Kam Bakhsh and Manoharpuri Mahal [17 May 1684?]

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Firuz Jang loses his eye-sight [Dec 1688]

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Shambhuji and Hambir raid Berar, Khandesh and Baglana repeatedly. Emperor marches from Bijapur [14 Dec. 1688] towards Junnar to extirpate Shambhuji. Firuz Jang appointed to capture Raigarh. Azam and Zulfiqar Kh. ordered to invade Maharashtra. Death of Siddi Masaud. Shambhuji captured [February 1689] and beheaded [11 March.] Janoji [=Changoji] and Keshoji [=Yesaji], two generals of Shambhuji, place the Rajah's family in Raigarh and defend the fort. Zulfiqar Kh. captures forts Mahab (?) and Sadad (?)—is sent against Raigarh, long fight, Hambir Rao opposes with a large army, is defeated—Raigarh blockaded, capitulates, [19 Oct. 1689.] Bahramand Kh. captures fort Premgarh after a siege of 2 months and 20 days. Emperor captures Satara from Krishnaji, the brother of Hambir Rao, [Satara was captured on 21 Apr. 1700 from Subhanji.] [Satara in Ishwardas is a mistake for Salhir.] Emperor sends Rajah Kishore Singh to capture Raigarh where Rajaram had taken shelter. But at night Rajaram escapes with Hambir Rao and other generals, and the Mughals capture Raigarh. Sayyid Abdullah pursues Rajaram into Bednur, but the latter escapes, while Rupa Bhonslé and 70 other officers are captured. Bednur invaded by the Mughals. Rani of Bednur agrees to pay a fine.