History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c81.s1.1

v5.c81.s1.1

In chapter 36 of volume III. I have told the story of how Durgadas Rathor had rescued Maharajah Jaswant's heir Ajit Singh from the clutches of Aurangzib at Delhi, taken him to a safe refuge on Mount Abu, and, with the help of other devoted clansmen, had for two years fought against the Mughal occupation of Marwar. Then, as his ally Udaipur grew fainter in its efforts under the new Maharana Jai Singh, Durgadas had (December 1680) instigated the Emperor's son, Muhammad Akbar, to rebel and make an attempt to seize the Mughal crown. When that attempt signally failed (16th January, 1681), Durgadas had most chivalrously escorted the unhappy prince through every danger to the Court of the Maratha king Shambhuji, who alone in India could dare to harbour the Emperor's enemy (1st June, 1681). As long as Akbar remained in India (up to October 1686), Durgadas stayed with him, promoting his interests, reconciling his occasional differences with the Maratha Government, and acting in all matters as his guardian and chief minister.[*]