Indian Antiquary Vol 40

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 86

80
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
[MARCH, 1911.
1689), when Sambhaji's widow and one son were captured. Råm Rajab now decided to leave bis home country for Jinji, a strong fortress far to the south-east, in the Karnitik, which in 1677 had been wrested, from Bijapur by Shivaji, acting in the guise of an ally of the Gulkandab king, and Tetained for his own benefit.
A proloned siege of Jinji began, which lasted altogether for seven years. At first Zulfiqar Khan, the wāzir's son, commanded, bat subsequently he was superseded by the emperor's youngest son, Kam Bakhsh, supportod by the wodzir, Asad Khin, himaali. These nobles, father and son, accused Kam Bakhsh of intrigning with Ram Rajah, and the prince was sent back in custody to his father's camp. Zulfiqar Khan was only lukewarm in the cause, and for his own reasons prolonged the operations, in the expectation of Aurangzēb's speedy death. When under extreme pressure from the emperor, Za, lfiqar Khin made the investment more strict, first conniving at Ram Rajab's escape. Jinji was at last taken on the 6th Sba'ban 1109 H. (Feb. 17th, 1698). Rām Rijah set up new sent of gorernment at Satara, south of Pünah.
For many years, beginning about 1686 and lasting up to 1705, there were constant disputes with the European traders at Sürat on the west coast, and at Hügli on the Ganges. The merchants suffered much from the exactions of the local officials, while the piracies at sea, which caused great losses to the Indians, formed a substantial ground of complaints on the Mughal side. In 1699 agreements were forcibly taken from the Europeans at Sürat, by which they engaged to convoy the Indian ship to and from Jidda and the Persian Gulf. The terms were never carried out effectually and at length in 1705 Aurangzēb was forced by a Dutch blockade of Sürat to cancel the agreements and send more conciliatory governor. For long periods the Europeans were confined to their factories and for many years the English chief agent was held prinoner in the fort of Barat. It was at this time (1701) that the abortive negotiations of Sir William Norris took place, acting on behalf of the New East India Company. Aurangzeb granted him m audience in his camp at Panhala on April 28th, 1701.
Tbo remaining years witnessed no relaxation of the struggle with the Mahrattabs. Niraj Murtapa-abad was occupied on the 2nd Sha'ban 1112 H. (January 12th, 1701), and Panhälä surrendered on the 1st Muharram 1118 H. (June 7th, 1701), the former however, being retaken by the Mabrattabs two years afterwards. Fort after fort was besieged and taken, sometimes alter. immense exertion and a use of the full imperial strength. Theo places more often than not were Te-occupied by the Mahrattahs almost immediately afterwards. The Mughal officers, all of them mercenaries, found it to their interest to keep the war on foot in order that their chance of livelihood should not suffer. But it was necessary to placate the emperor by a show of sucoenses, and the strong places were openly bought and sold. Meanwhile the Mahrattabs moved over the open country with the Mughals hotly following in vain pursuit. Order upon order was sent out by the indefatigable Aurangzēb, rebukes for neglect, urgent instructions for the safe convey of treasure from Hindustan poured from his pen in an incessant stream.
The new Mahrattah capital of Satara (renamed A'zam-tårā) was taken on the 25th Jamida II, 1111 H. (December 18th, 1699), Parligaph in June 1700, and Bbūsângașh on the 29th Safar 1112 H. (August 5th, 1700). Panbālāh, twelve miles north-west of Kolhapur, was the next objective, and it fell on the let Muharram 1113 H. (Juge 7th, 1701), while four or five forts in its neighbourhood succumbed shortly afterwards. The taking of Khelnah (Vishalgab) demanded much exertion; it fell on the 19th Muharram 1114 H. (June 15th, 1702). Kandănah (Singhgosh), eleven miles south-west of Pünå, followed on the 2nd Zül Hijjah 1114 H. (April 19th, 1703). The rainy season was passed in Muhiábūd, Pūna. On the 12th Rajab 1115 H. November 21st, 1708), the emperor set out to besiege Rajguh, it was taken on the 11th Shawwal, (February 17th, 170-4), and its name changed to Nabi Sbāhgasb. Torni, four tos from Rijgarh, fell on the 15tb Zül Qa'dah