History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c80.s2.3

v5.c80.s2.3

The difficulties of the imperialists were the opportunity of the Marathas. Bhimsen adds, "As the Marathas are gaining large sums on the road, they have changed its name from *shah-rah* (king's highway) to *shah-ran* (? royal beauty.) When they invade a country they take from every pargana as much money as they desire and make their horses eat the standing crops or tread them underfoot. The imperial army that comes in pursuit can subsist only when the fields are cultivated [anew.] All administration has disappeared...The realm has been desolated, nobody gets justice, they have been utterly ruined. The ryots have given up cultivation; the jagirdars do not get a penny from their fiefs... Many mansabdars in the Deccan, starving and impoverished, have gone over to the Marathas." [Dil. ii. 139b—140a, 157b.]