History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c69.s5.8

v4.c69.s5.8

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.]