The siege of the fort of Parli had continued for four months, and then the rainy season approached. It was usual in that part for the rains to be accompanied by hail-storms. The soldiers were in consequence greatly alarmed. Shaikh Sadullah Khan submitted to the Emperor, through Muharram Khan, “If the Emperor's son Alijah would not be displeased, peace can be made in a day.” His Majesty said, “Wait to-day; the answer will be given to-morrow.” In the evening it became known that the prince had an intolerable aversion to making peace, and that the Shaikh had arranged for the surrender of the fort on the sole condition that the commandant and the garrison should go out [freely] without any property. The Emperor said, “Make the agreement complete, so that immediately on my giving the order, the imperial flag may be planted on the fort without any delay.” As he ordered, the settlement was made firm.
Next day, when holding the morning Court, His Majesty said to Prince Alijah, “I have to show consideration for your feelings. Otherwise, making peace is not so very difficult. Others, too, may accomplish it.” The prince replied, “I agree to any method by which your Majesty's work can be done.” The Emperor rejoined, “But you will afterwards feel aggrieved!” The prince answered, “What power has this slave to be displeased with his holy guide and preceptor?” and then [after a pause] he asked, “Who is this man, the mediator in making peace?” “Shaikh Sadullah” answered His Majesty. The prince said, “Let the order be issued.” As Shaikh Sadullah was not present at Court, the Emperor told Muharram Khan, “Send word to the Shaikh to plant the flag quickly on the fort.” After two gharis the flag was set up there and the music of victory was played. Prince Azam with extreme irritation and roughness said, “We servants of your Majesty ought now to take poison, as these rascals (paji) have become your counsellors.” The Emperor answered, “I have indeed cherished rascals. Now I shall drive both the rascals out of my camp. Shaikh Sadullah will be sent to the Base Camp, and you to the province of Ahmadabad (i.e., Gujrat).” Then he ordered that Siadat Khan, the superintendent of the mace-bearers, with all the mace-bearers should accompany the prince and make him dismount at Sanpgaon, 3 koses from the imperial army, without permitting the prince to go back to his present quarters. Then His Majesty dropped the screen and rose from the Court. Prince Azam, in confusion and bewilderment, entreated the mediation of Asad Khan, the wazir, who begged the Emperor to give the prince two days' respite, that the rains might stop a little. His Majesty replied, “What business have my servants to say anything in the affairs of my sons?” Asad Khan felt ashamed of having made the request. Eventually the prince went with the superintendent of the mace-bearers, took up his residence in the camp at Sanpgaon, and thence submitted to the Emperor, “Wax for making oil-cloth cannot be had.” Aurangzib replied, “You may take some from the imperial Government [stores] after paying the price.” The prince prayed that the price might be deducted from his cash stipend. The Emperor wrote [on the application],—“No wise man leaves cash for credit, * for at the time of payment who knows who will be alive and who will be dead? You must pay the price in cash and take [the wax].” So, the prince did as he was ordered; he sent Rs. 1,200 and got the wax.
Text.–Ir. MS. 2a–3a, MS. N. 39a–40b.
Notes.–The fort of Parli, 4 m. from Satara, was besieged by Aurangzib from 30th April to 9th June, 1700 (Masir-i-Alamgiri, 425—428). Prince Alijah was Muhammad Azam, the 3rd son of Aurangzib. Shaikh Sadullah was at one time the mushrif of the Emperor's personal attendants (khawas). Mace-bearers were sergeants who made arrests and carried out the Emperor's disciplinary orders.