History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c74.s14.16

v5.c74.s14.16

When (in March 1694) Zulfiqar with his army arrived near Tanjore, Maharajah Shahji II. found resistance vain, especially as his ever-hostile neighbour, the Nayak of Trichinopoly, joined the Mughals, helped them with men and money, and besought them to recover for him some forts and districts which the Maharajah of Tanjore had seized from him. The imperialists did this service to their ally. Then they invaded Tanjore itself. [Dil., 114.] Rajaram had sent (March) Baharji Ghorpare (the younger brother of Santa) to the assistance of his constant friend Shahji, but Zulfiqar was now irresistible. Shahji had to yield; on 22nd May he signed a letter of submission, promising to obey the Emperor's orders like a faithful vassal in future, to cease from assisting Rajaram in any way (such as sending provisions into Jinji through the Vetavalam wood), to pay the Mughal Government a tribute of 30 lakhs of rupees annually, (of which 20 lakhs were to be paid down in cash, jewels and elephants, and 10 lakhs next year), and to cede the forts of Palamkota, Sittanur (?) and Tunganur with their dependent districts as well as Kul-Manargudi, Shri-mushnam, Tittagudi, Trinnanur (?), Elavanasore, Kalakurchi, Pandalum*, etc., which had been mortgaged to him by Rajaram. This cession of territory was to take the place of a contingent of 1000 horse and 4000 foot which he had originally agreed to supply for the Emperor's service. The Mughal general, on his part, granted the Maharajah a *qaulnama* or letter of assurance, accepting the above terms and promising to procure for him an imperial *farman* pardoning his offences and recognising his title and kingdom.* [Mackenzie Collection.] Shahji II. made, in addition to the above, large gifts to Zulfiqar Khan and his officers. Out of the stipulated tribute 17 lakhs were paid down and the remaining three lakhs were promised when the invaders would retire beyond the Kolerum. [Mackenzie Collection, Mad. Diary.]