History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c83.s4.13

v5.c83.s4.13

There was another element, too, in this dispute. Judging from the fraudulent use of the right of issuing passes ("sale of *dastak*") to cover other people's goods under the English flag, which was notoriously practised by the E. I. Co.'s servants in Bengal in the 18th century, we shall be justified in supposing that, with the relaxation of the Mughal administration in Bengal during Aurangzib's absence in the Deccan (1680-1707), the English factors tried to evade the payment of the lawful duty. Hence their frequent collisions with the local revenue officers, who tried to prevent this fraud on the Exchequer.