History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c83.s4.15

v5.c83.s4.15

As for the second and third grievances of the English, we must remark that the exactions here complained of had been declared illegal by Aurangzib and were practised only in disregard of his orders. *Rahdari* had been abolished in the second year of his reign, while "benevolences" and forced presents were condemned in the general order abolishing *abwabs* issued on 29th April 1673.* The "forcing of goods" by his grandson Azim-ushshan for his private trade called forth Aurangzib's sternest censures, when it was brought to his ears (about 1703). He sarcastically called the practice *sauda-i-kham* or 'very crude plan' instead of *sauda-i-khas* or 'the prince's own business' which title Azim had given it, and he ended his letter by calling the prince a fool and a tyrant for practising such "plunder of the people." [Riyaz-us-salatin, Eng. tr. 246; I.O.L. MS. 3021 folio 53a.]