History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c69.s5.12

v4.c69.s5.12

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.]"