Page:History of Aurangzib (based on original sources) Vol 1.djvu/111

CHAP. IV.] Many a pretender to the throne of Delhi gathered formidable military support here. Indeed, Guzerat bore the evil title of lashkar-khez, or a land 'bristling with soldiers.'

Such a province ever required a strong hand to govern it. A former viceroy, Azam Khan, (1635-41), had vigorously punished the robber tribes, built forts in their midst to maintain order, and forced the ruler of Nawánagar, to promise tribute and obedience to the Imperial Government. For a time the roads became safe, and the land enjoyed unwonted peace.

Aurangzib, too, followed an active and firm policy towards the robber tribes and rebels of Guzerat. In order to check them effectually he engaged soldiers in excess of the men whom he was bound by his present rank as a mansabdar to keep. The Emperor, pleased to hear of this ardent spirit of duty, gave him a promotion, raising his salary to sixty lakhs of rupees a year (8th June, 1646). He thus established in his father's eyes a reputation for capacity and courage, and it was not long before he was called