History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c76.s6: § 11. Last years of Matabar Khan.
History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c76.s6
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§ 11. Last years of Matabar Khan.
v5.c76.s6.1
We may here complete the life of this able general and administrator and carry the history of North Konkan to the end of Aurangzib's reign.
v5.c76.s6.2
The news-letters of Aurangzib's Court contain many examples of Matabar's vigilant care for his charge, his strict maintenance of efficiency by removing negligent or drunken officers and recommending the promotion of his abler subordinates, and his effort to induce the Emperor to post the most useful men under him.
v5.c76.s6.3
In May 1695, the powder-magazine in Mahuli fort exploded, destroying Matabar's stores, worth Rs. 18,000, lodged there. In November 1700 the Mughal position in S. Konkan was further improved by Siddi Yaqut's capture of Anjanvel fort, after defeating a relieving army of Marathas sent by Ramchandra. Matabar usually co-operated with the Siddi of Janjira in the military operations for upholding the Mughal power and defeating any Maratha bands that might enter the district. Thus, he rendered valuable service at the Emperor's siege of Khelna (1702) by guarding the route to the north-west of that fort.
v5.c76.s6.4
On 13th February 1704, an order was issued to him to raise a thousand infantry for service with the Emperor, for whose equipment and bounty Rs. 8,000 were paid to him. Probably the faithful servant could not carry out this last command of his master, as death overtook him at the end of the month; (the report of the event reached the Emperor at Torna on 9th March.)
v5.c76.s6.5
Matabar Khan, though a mere thanadar and without influential relatives at Court, rose by sheer merit to be a commander of 2500 in rank with the same number of troopers (*zat* and *sawar*), and enjoyed this high *mansab* for about ten years before his death. He left no issue of his own, but only an adopted son named Abu Muhammad Khan, and some nephews (sister's sons), to whom the Emperor gave offices.