History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c69.s4.1

v4.c69.s4.1

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.)