Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v2.c28.s1.32

v2.c28.s1.32

The Rebellion of Prince Akbar, A.D. 1681.—The gallant bearing of the Rajputs in this unequal combat, their desperate devotion to their country and prince, touched the soul of Prince Akbar, who had the magnanimity to commiserate the sufferings he was compelled to inflict, and to question the policy of his father towards these gallant vassals. Ambition came to the aid of compassion for the sufferings of the Rathors, and the persecution of the minor son of Jaswant. He opened his mind to Tahawwur Khan, and exposed the disgrace of bearing arms in so unholy a warfare, and in severing from the crown such devoted and brave vassals as the Rathors. Tahawwur was gained over, and an embassy sent to Durgadas offering peace, and expressing a wish for a conference. Durga convened the chiefs, and disclosed the overture ; but some suspected treachery in the prince, others selfish views on the part of Durga. To prevent the injurious operation of such suspicions, Durga observed, that if assent were not given to the meeting, it would be attributed to the base motive of fear. “ Let us proceed in a body,” said he, “ to this conference ; who ever heard of a cloud being caught ? ” They met ; mutual views were developed ; a treaty was concluded, and the meeting ended by Akbar waving the umbrella of regality over his head.² He coined in his own name ; he established his own weights and measures. The poisoned intelligence was poured into Aurang’s ear at Ajmer; his soul was troubled; he had no rest; he plucked his beard in grief when he heard that Durga and Akbar had united. Every Rathor in the land flocked to Akbar’s standard. The house of Delhi was divided, and Govind¹ again supported the Hindu faith.