Letters of Aurungzebe

Aurangzeb Alamgir

1908

Exported from Wikisource on April 12, 2022

1
 Ruka’at-i-Alamgiri
or

Letters of Aurungzebe

[WITH HISTORICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES]

Translated from the original Persian into English

BY
JAMSHID H. BILIMORIA, B.A.

(Registered under Act XXV of 1867.)

2
 LUZAC & CO.,
46, GREAT RUSSELL STREET,
LONDON;

BOMBAY:
CHERAG PRINTING PRESS.

1908.

3
 All Rights Reserved
BY THE TRANSLATOR,
JAMSHID H. BILIMORIA, B.A.

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Contents.

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 PAGE.
Preface iii-v
Introduction 1-2
Letters to Sultan Mahammad Mūazzam, Sháh
Alam Bahádūr, the Crown Prince 3-10
Letters to Prince Mahammad A'azam Sháh
Bahádūr 11-72
Letter to Kám Bakhsha 73-74
Letters to Prince Mahammad Ma'az-ūd—Din
Bahádur 75-76
Letters to Prince Mahammad Bidár Bakhta 84-86
Letter to Amir-ūl-Umará Sháyasta Khán,
Governor of Akbarábád 86-89
Letters to Umadat-ūl-Mūlk, Madár-ūl-Mahám,
Asad Khán 90-149
Letters to Gházi-ūd-Din Khán Bahádūr Firūz
Jang 150-152
Letters to Zūl Fikár Khán Bahádūr Nasrat Jang 153-158
Letters to Mirzá Sadr-ūd-Din Mahammad Khán
Safavi, Second Paymaster 159-160
Letter to A'akel Khán, Fort-keeper and Governor
of the Capital of Sháh Jehán Abád 161
Letter to Hamid-ūd-Din Khán Bahádūr 162
Letters to Inayát Alláh Khán 163-168
Letters to Asad Khán 169-172
Letters to Abdūl Kásim Khán 173-174
Letter to Afazal Khán 175

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Index 177

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This work was published before

January 1, 1927, and is in the
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because the author died at least
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public domain in the
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it was published
Translation: before January 1,
1927. It may be
copyrighted outside
the U.S. (see
Help:Public domain).

7
 Letters addressed to Sultan Mahammad Aluazzam,
Shah Alam Bahadur, the Crown Prince.[1]

LETTER I.

Eldest son of sovereignty, happy son, Muhammad

Mūazzam, may God protect and save you. His Majesty,
having his abode in paradise (Sháh Jehán, Aurangzebe's
father), had a great desire to conquer the provinces of
Balkh, Badakhshán, Khorásán, and Hirát which were the
ancient possessions of our ancestors.[2]. He often sent there
the royal forces under the command of Mūrád Bakhsha.
[3]Most of the provinces were conquered but owing to

impatience, that unfortunate man (Mūrád) returned (to the

capital) without having been recalled by His Majesty and
thereby lost the favour of the people and the grandees of
those provinces. The kingdoms conquered and possessed
were lost; and money was wasted on them. It is for this
reason that it is said that "A daughter is better than an
unworthy son". Attend to this (verse) that "If a father is
unable to finish a work, the son must carry it out to
completion". This mortal creature (Aurungzebe) has a wish
which is still unfulfilled. It was the desire of Sháh Jehán
that I should send a grandson of His Majesty's to those
districts with a grand army and sufficient equipment. What
more can I do? When you were here, I had insisted upon
you to take Kandahár;[4] but you have not conquered it.
What of other cases, then? Evidently you have not done the

8
work entrusted to you by me. One who professes to know a
thing must know it fully. This my perishable life is now like
the sun (setting) on the top of a mountain. What does it
concern me if I have these provinces or not? How will you
shew your face to your rivals in this world and to the Holy,
High, and Exalted God in the next world?

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1. ↑ Aurungzebe's second son, born in 1643, of a Rajput

princess. He was sent by his father against Shivaji in
order to arrest him, but was afterwards recalled. Then
he was appointed governor of the Deccan. 1667. In
1686 he took Haiderabad. Afterwards he marched
against Golconda, but he made a convention with the
king, Abul Hasan, and communicated with him.
Aurungzebe was displeased with him on this account
and imprisoned him, 1688; but released him five years
later. In 1700 he was appointed governor of Cabul. He
was an obedient son and was generous and kind. Most
of the seven letters addressed to this prince seem to
have been written between 1700 and 1707 when he
was viceroy of Cabul. In 1684 he was honoured with
the title of Shah Alam Bahadur. After the death of his

9
 father he ascended the throne under the name of
Bahadur Shah (the First) in 1707 and ruled for five
years. He was a wise and able ruler. Had he lived
longer his reign would have been accounted
prosperous and illustrious. During his rule the Sikhs
were subjected to much persecution. It was also in his
reign that Nizam-ul-Mulk, the founder of the dynasty
of the Nizams of the Deccan, and Sa'adat Ali Khan, the
ancestor of the nabobs of Oude, came into prominence.
He died in 1712.
2. ↑ Provinces in Persia and Afghanistan conquered by
Timur and Babar. Balkh was the cradle of the
Zoroastrian religion and a great capital of some of the
ancient Persian kings. Badakhshan is known for its
ruby mines. Hirat is the gate of India and was many
times besieged by the Persians.
3. ↑ Younger brother of Aurungzebe, who was sent by
Shah Jehan to assist Ali Mardan Khan in Balkh. He
returned to Delhi without the emperor's leave and was
consequently disgraced. 1644. He was replaced by his
brother Aurungzebe who retreated with great loss.
1647. Then Murad was appointed viceroy of Gujarat.
When his father fell ill he joined his brother
Aurungzebe and defeated Raja Jasvant Singh and Dara
successively. 1657. Afterwards he was imprisoned
(1658) by uAurngzebe at Gwalior where he was
murdered in 1661. The date of his death is found from
the following Persian verse: "Aya vaye! ba har
bahaneh kushtand" (Alas! he was killed on a pretext).
10
 He was very brave, but much addicted to drinking and
at the same time foolish in politics. Khafi Khan calls
him a simpleton.
4. ↑ Aurungzebe was sent to Kandahar by his father to
conquer it; but having failed to do so he returned to
Delhi. 1649. Aurungzebe tried to recover Kandahar a
second time, but again he failed. 1652. The great
Akbar wrested Kandahar from the Persians. Shah
Abbas took the city from Jehangir. It fell to Shah Jehan
through the treachery of Ali Merdan Khan. It was
again besieged and captured by the son of Shah Abbas,
and afterwards twice unsuccessfully attacked by Shah
Jehan.

"The wise of ancient times considered Kabul and

Kandahar as the twin gates of Hindustan, the one
leading to Turkestan and the other to Persia. The
custody of these highways secured India from foreign
invaders, and they are likewise the appropriate portals
to foreign travel."

Ain-i-Akbari. Cf. Let. IV.

11
 Letter addressed to

Amir-ūl-Umará Sháyasta Khán[1],

Governor of Akabarábád.[2]

1659. LETTER XCI.

Faithful friend of auspicious nature, may you live under the

protection of the Exalted God. I am anxious for you. On
Tuesday, the 20th inst. of Rabi-ūl-Awal[3]— the day of
writing this letter to you—Shūjá[4], whose lot was defeat,
encountered the victorious army which was under the
victorious stirrup of this most needy person (i.e.,
Aurungzebe himself) to God Whose name is glorious, and
found the return of evil actions in (his) lap, full of his own
misfortunes (i.e., he was defeated by me). (Couplet) "From
whose hand and tongue can come out the responsibility of
thanksgiving to God fully (i.e., no one in this world thanks
God fully for His bounties)?" The details of this great
victory[5] (of Cujwá over Shūjá) will be written to you
afterwards. I pursued the cowardly Jasvant Singh[6] who
had joined the enemy (i.e., Shūjá) last night before the
battle; but he fled away and went to Akbarábád. Evidently
he has gone to his own native place (i.e., Rajpūtáná). He has
suffered a great loss in this world (by being a coward) and
will suffer it in the next world (by being an infidel; for he
will not enter paradise). On hearing the purport of this royal
order, this arm of sovereignty (i.e., Sháyasta Khán) should

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perform the necessary things for joy and pleasure (i.e.,
should observe the day of victory as a public festival); and
should give thanks to the True Giver of Bounty (i.e., God);
and should entirely engage in preserving this province
belonging to you (i.e., Akbarábád). Immediately I sent my
dear son, Muhammad Sultan Bahádūr[7], in pursuit of this
ungrateful man (i.e., Shūjá). I will soon come to Akbarábád.

1. ↑ A general of Shah Jehan and (maternal) uncle of

Aurungzebe of whom he was a great supporter in Shah
Jehan's court. He was the son of Asaf Khan, Nur
Jehan's brother, after whose death Shah Jehan
appointed him his minister. 1641. Shah Jehan
appointed him governor of Berar in 1638 and governor
of Gujarat in 1652. During Shah Jehan's reign he took
part in the Deccan War with Aurungzebe who gave
him the title of Khan Jehan in 1656. In 1658 his
nephew conferred on him the title of Amir-ul-Umara
when he came to his side by deserting Shah Jehan and
Dara. (Cf. Introd.). He was appointed governor of
Agra in the same year. At the time of the victory
gained over Shuja at Cujwá he was governor of
Akbarabad (Agra) acting for Aurungzebe. Afterwards
Aurungzebe made him viceroy of the Deccan (1659)
and ordered him to punish Shivaji. At Poona he was
surprised, when sleeping at night, by a party of
Mahrattas under Shivaji in a marriage procession; and
he narrowly escaped death with the loss of some of his
fingers. 1663. Then he was recalled from the Deccan
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 by the emperor and made governor of Bengal in place
of the late Mir Jumla. 1666. Here he subdued the
pirates of Arakan in the Bay of Bengal who used to
disturb Bengal. Here he proved himself to be a great
tyrant. His name is proverbial in Bengal as a despotic
and tyrannous ruler. In 1679 he returned from Bengal
to Delhi and was appointed governor of Akbarabad
(second time). He died in 1694. (Cf. Let. CXXVII1).
His original name was Mirzá Mūrád. "He was, without
doubt, by his birth and connections, the first subject of
the empire, not of the royal blod; and Aurungzebe
treated him as such to the end of his life." He was an
invaluable coadjutor of Aurungzebe. "He had the
reputation of writing the most insinuating letter, and
using the most persuasive eloquence, of any man in
Hindostan." (Bernier).
2. ↑ The favourite and frequent abode of the Mogul
emperors, esp., of Akbar who rebuilt the city (Agra)
and named it after himself. It stands on the Jamna and
contains the famous Táj Mahal. Cf. Let. XI.
3. ↑ The third Mohemadan month. Lit. 'the first time of
spring or harvest.'
4. ↑ Shah Jehan's second son. He was governor of Bengal
in his father's time. When Shah Jehan fell ill in 1657
he marched upon Delhi with a large army; but was
defeated at Bahádurpur, near Benares, by Raja Jai
Singh and Suliman Shekuh, Dara's son. Afterwards he
led an army against Aurungzebe when the latter
became emperor; but was defeated at Cujwá, near
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 Allahabad. 1659. This is the victory (of Cujwá)
mentioned in the letter. Then Shuja fled away to
Assam and was pursued there by Muhammad,
Aurungzebe's eldest son, and by Mir Jumla,
Aurungzebe's general. At last he died miserably at
Arakan, in Burma. 1660. Shuja was a Shiah, a
drunkard, and a sensual Mohemadan. "He was too
much a slave to his pleasures." (Bernier). "He was
more discreet, firmer of purpose, and excelled him
(Dara) in conduct and address." (Bernier).
5. ↑ Aurungzebe was on the point of defeat; but the tables
were shortly turned against Shuja through the bravery
and presence of mind of Mir Jumla. The battle was lost
to Shuja through his mistake of dismounting his
elephant earlier like Dara at Samugarh. The date of the
battle (1659) may be found from the following Persian
verse: 'Shavad fateh mubárak bádá' (may the victory be
happy).
6. ↑ Raja Jasvant Singh (lit. the glorious or victorious
lion), Mahárájáh of Márwár, in Rajputana, was a
Rajput general of Shah Jehan with whom he was
related. Along with Kásim Khan he was sent by Dara
against Murad and Aurungzebe. Had he attacked them
soon as they appeared on the opposite bank of the
Nurbada, at Dharmatpur, they would have been easily
defeated and the course of Indian history would have
been quite different. He delayed and attacked them
after two days; but was defeated and fled away to
Marwar chiefly through the baseness and treachery of
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 Kásim Khán and his Mohemadan followers. 1657. For
this disgraceful flight the Raja was severely taken to
task by his wife. After Dara's defeat at Samugarh
(1659) he deserted him and joined Aurungzebe. Before
the fight at Cujwa, near Allahabad, with Shuja, he
deserted Aurungzebe and made an attack upon his rear
at night; but before Shuja was defeated, he fled away
to Marwar through Akbarabad (1659). Shayasta Khan,
governor of Akbarabad, was going to poison himself
through fear when the Raja came to Agra. Afterwards
he was pardoned by Aurungzebe and was again taken
into his service. He was made governor of
Ahmedabad. Then he was sent into the Deccan against
Shivaji. Afterwards he was made governor of Cabul
where he died in 1676. Maharajah Jasvant Singh, 'one
of the greatest Rajahs of Hindostan,' was not of a firm
and constant mind and was a traitor. He did not help
the fallen Dara owing to the advice and threats of Raja
Jai Singh. A letter written to Aurungzebe, concerning
the 'Jizeeá' or poll-tax, on the non-Mohemadans, is
generally ascribed to Jasvant Singh.
7. ↑ Aurungzebe's eldest son, born in 1639. He took part
in the battles of Samūgarh (1659) and of Cujwá.
(1659). It was he who first entered the capital and took
possession of it for his father. He, along with Mir
Jūmla was sent to Assam in pursuit of Shuja. But after
a time he deserted him and went over to his uncle who
gave him his daughter in marriage. Nevertheless Shuja
was totally defeated by Mir Jumla alone and fled away
16
to Arakan. Now the prince saw his mistake and came
over to his father's army; but was imprisoned by his
father. He died in prison at the castle of Gwalior in
1676. He was married to a daughter of the king of
Golconda.

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 Letter addressed to
A'akel Khan[1],
Fort-keeper and Governor
of the Capital of Shah Jehan Abad[2].
1662. LETTER CLXVII.

I read the petition of that old servant (i.e., the Khan). You
have expressed the desire of retiring from the service and of
tendering resignation of your post. When I have protected
you under my service, which is the object of divine glory
and favour, do you think that you will get a better post
anywhere else than here? In case of you insist, your petition
will be certainly accepted and your request (for resignation)
will be complied with; and a sum of one thousand rupees
per month, amounting to twelve thousand per year, will be
assigned to you.

1. ↑ A'akel Khan-i-Khafi, author of 'Vakeat-i-Alamgiri'.

In 1659 he was governor of Shah Jehan Abad. In 1662
he resigned his governorship. The author of 'Ma'asiri
Alamgiri' says that thereafter he was granted Rs. 1000
per year and not per month. In 1663 he was made
superintendent of the 'Ghosal Khaneh'. Afterwards he
was sent to Lahore. In 1679 he joined the service of
Prince Muazzam. In 1680 he was made second

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 'bakhashi.' He died in 1696. He was a good-natured
man. Cf. Let. CXLVIII.
2. ↑ The new city erected by Shah Jehan near the old
Delhi where he removed his court from Agra on
account of excessive heat. Thus it was the new capital
of Shah Jehan and Aurungzebe.

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 Letter addressed to
Hamid-ud-Din Khan Bahadur [1].
LETTER CLXVIIL

Hamid should know that a few days ago prince A'azam

uttered these words before me: "There are my three bitter
enemies — Hamid-ud-Din Khan, Amir Khan'[2], and
Muna'am Khan[3]". I replied, "Amir Khan is a good-natured
man; he is the enemy of none. It is proper that Hamid is
also not an enemy. The nature of Muna'am Khan is
unknown to this oppressive and ignorant man (i.e.,
Aurungzebe himself)". Did you ever consider why you are
indifferent to your own condition and to death which is
nearer to man than the strip of his shoe and the pulse of his
neck (i.e., death comes unexpectedly )? Woe! woe! Alas!
alas! (Couplet) "Sometimes I am left behind my hand,
heart, and foot (i.e., sometimes I become helpless). O life !
you are passing away soon; I fear that I will be left behind
you (i.e., I will die soon)". If you think it right I will
recommend you to prince A'azam. If you quarrel with each
other I will reconcile you both; so that you may not be
dishonest in serving this mortal creature (i.e., Aurungzebe).
Whatever you think write it to me or inform me of it.

1. ↑ He took part in the various sieges of Sattara (1699),

Parnaleh (1700), Khelna (1703), and Torna (1704).

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 Once Aurungzebe ordered him to separate Hadu, an
evil companion of Kam Bakhsha, from the prince. The
Khan was wounded by the prince, but in the end he
succeeded in imprisoning Hadu and thus separating
.him from the prince. 1697. Cf. Let. CXXVI.
Aurungzebe entrusted him with his last will for
dividing his kingdom amongst his sons. 1707. In this
will Aurungzebe said, "Let Hamid-ud-Din Khan, who
is faithful and trusty, convey my corpse to the place of
Shah Zen-ud-Uin and erect a tomb over it in the same
manner as is done for dervises". Cf. Let. CXXXII.
2. ↑ Cf. Let. XVII.
3. ↑ Cf. Let. VII.

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 The copy of a mandate issued by
Prince A'azam to Afazal Khan.
LETTER CLXXXL[1]

Saiyad Kamal Khan[2] died. You should write to the agent

(asking him) to inform the emperor of this. The condition of
the followers of the (late) officer is clear to His Majesty
(i.e., Aurungzebe). Inayat Allah Khan[3] is acquainted with
the good services of every officer. His Enlightened Majesty
will appoint him whom he considers fit to this post. There is
no Cashmiri in this province whom I can appoint and with
whom Inayat Allah Khan is pleased. The balance due to this
Afghan (i.e., the late Saiyad) will remain of course on paper
and will not be received. The province will produce a less
revenue and the people will be ruined. I have heard the awe
of Inayat Allah Khan to such an extent that I won't accept
even a lac of rupees in place of one rupee. Change! change!
change! (i.e., there is a constant change in everything). The
(government) affairs require the conditions of the fear of
God and the fear of being punished by the king. A minister
should not entrust such affairs to his relatives and friends.
Mir Taza must be in Launi[4]. I have not appointed those, as
government servants, who have faith in the Mir's action,
and who possess 'jaghirs' for oppressing the people and
exacting money from them.

1. ↑ This last letter was not written by Aurungzebe; but

was written or rather issued by prince A'azam to

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 Afazal Khun.
2. ↑ Son of Dilir Khan. He was honoured with the title of
Khan in 1677. His original name was Kamal-ud-Din.
He was wounded at the siege of Bijapur. 1686.
3. ↑ Cf. Let. CLXIX and CXVI.
4. ↑ A town and district near Delhi, situated in the Doab,
between the Jaiuna and the Halin.

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