Page:Aurangzíb and the Decay of the Mughal Empire.djvu/148

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
142
AURANGZÍB

father's principality. But while the treaty enabled Aurangzíb to beat a fairly creditable retreat, it did not appease the indignant Rájputs of the west, even the Rána of Údaipúr soon rode his elephants through the treaty; and all Rájputána, save Jaipúr and the eastern parts, was perpetually in a state of revolt until the end of the reign. Tantum religio potuit! But for his tax upon heresy, and his interference with their inborn sense of dignity and honour, Aurangzíb might have still kept the Rájputs by his side as priceless allies in the long struggle in which he was now to engage in the Deccan. As it was he alienated them for ever. No Rájput Rája would again marshall his willing mountaineers to support a Mughal throne, as had been seen in the days of Jai Singh. So long as the great Puritan sat on the throne of Akbar, not a Rájput would stir a finger to save him. Aurangzíb had to fight his southern foes with the loss of his right arm.