History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c83.s7.1

v5.c83.s7.1

As in Bengal, so also on Western Coast of India, the English traders suffered from the vexatious and illegal interference and greed of the local officers of the Mughal Government, which the Emperor could not check. In addition, they were threatened with a new tax in violation of the privileges enjoyed by them in the past. Thus, on 20th April 1680 the Surat factors write, ``Not only we but the Dutch and French are grown so inconsiderable with these Moors that they fear not to push what they please upon us ; for having demanded of us to pay the poll [i.e., the *jaziya*] as other inhabitants in the country, and we refusing, the king has some few days since sent down a positive order for all the natives to pay 3½ per cent custom as formerly, which will cost the Company little less than Rs. 20,000 yearly.'' [Orme MSS. 116, Bombay letters received.]