History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c74.s1.2

v5.c74.s1.2

Coming down to the lowlands, Haidarabadi Karnatak embraced the sea-coast from Gantur to Sadras.* Bijapuri Payinghat cannot be precisely demarcated, as it was in a disturbed state in 1689. It extended south and west of the Palar river, from Sadras (12·30 degree of north latitude) to Tanjore. The whole of this tract belonged to Bijapur in theory, having been conquered by Adil Shahi forces in the middle of the 17th century. But the conquests had not been consolidated, the authority of the central Government was feebly exerted in this most distant frontier province, much of the country was still in the hands of unsubdued poligars or petty local chieftains, and Adil Shah only held certain forts and their environs; but even in these his authority was exercised by his nobles, who were independent in all but the name. This situation was further complicated by Shivaji's invasion and conquest of the country (1677-78).† But even as the result of that conquest, the entire region did not pass into Maratha possession. Muslim and Hindu servants of the defeated Government maintained themselves here and there, though with diminished territory, and diversified the political geography of what was once Bijapuri Karnatak Payinghat. The new Maratha Government of the South Arcot district (capital, Jinji) wisely ensured a portion of its territorial acquisitions by a sort of armed truce with the Maharajah of Tanjore and the local poligars.