History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c84.s6.t1.12

v5.c84.s6.t1.12

Gujrat had an evil reputation for famines in the middle ages, and the reign of Aurangzib was no happier in this respect. We read of famines in 1681, 1684, 1690-91, 1695-96 and 1698. In 1681 there were bread-riots in the capital. The drought of 1696 was so terrible that "from Patan to Jodhpur no water nor blade of grass could be seen." [Mirat, 317, 354.] In addition to these natural calamities, pestilence desolated many of the cities, lingering for years together in them. [Mirat 342, Eng. F. R.]