Page:Aurangzíb and the Decay of the Mughal Empire.djvu/37

Rh all times to the attack of the indomitable hill tribes, who have always made the government of the mountain region a thankless task to every ruler who has attempted to subdue them. When Aurangzíb reached the scene of his government, he soon perceived the character of the country and its defenders, and like a wise general counselled a retreat from an untenable position. He made terms with the King of the Uzbegs, restored the useless provinces, and began his march home. It was now October, and no time was to be lost in re-crossing the mountains. A long scene of disaster ensued, though Aurangzíb, in concert with his Persian and Indian advisers, took every precaution, and personally superintended the movement. The hill men hovered about the flanks of the retreating Rájputs, cut off detached parties, and harassed every step. The baggage fell over precipices; the Hazaras bristled above the narrow defiles; the Hindú Kúsh was under snow, which fell for five days; and 5000 men, to say nothing of horses, elephants, camels, and other beasts of burden, died from cold and exposure. It was but a dejected frostbitten remnant of the army that reached Kábul; and Sháh-Jahán's precious scheme of aggrandizement had cost the exchequer more than two million pounds.

Aurangzíb's next employment was equally unsuccessful. Kandahár, which had belonged to the Sháh of Persia, had been surrendered to the Mughals ten years before (1637) by its able and ambitious governor, 'Alí Mardán, who speedily wiped out his