The 17th century was a tumultuous time in South India, with the mighty Mughal Empire clashing with local kingdoms and forces. At the heart of this conflict was Zulfikar Khan, a powerful Mughal general. His military campaigns weren’t just about conquest; they were a complex web of strategy, negotiation, and even betrayal.Zulfikar Khan’s Coastal Campaign
A March of Power and Plunder
In February 1694, Zulfikar Khan set out from his base at Wandiwash. His first target was the formidable Perumukkal rock-fort, which his forces captured after a fierce battle. Following this victory, he continued his march toward Tanjore, making his way down the coast. This was a significant journey, not just for the Mughal military, but for Zulfikar Khan himself—it’s said to be the first time he ever saw the ocean!
As his army moved, they skirted the English trading post of Fort St. David near Cuddalore. The English, wary of the Mughal army’s reputation for devastation and plunder, quickly sent envoys with costly presents to appease the general. Zulfikar Khan, ever the pragmatist, courteously accepted their gifts and, in return, granted them a farman, a royal decree, to ensure his army would not trouble them.
Despite this polite exchange, Zulfikar Khan’s campaign left a trail of destruction. One letter from the English reported such widespread devastation that they were unwilling to invest in the local economy until the region stabilized.
Tanjore’s Submission and a King’s Betrayal
Upon reaching Tanjore, Zulfikar Khan wasted no time. He was approached by the Nayak of Trichinopoly, who had allied with the Mughals and now sought their help in reclaiming land from the Raja of Tanjore, Shahji II. With Zulfikar Khan’s assistance, Shahji II was forced to surrender. He submitted to Mughal rule, promising to be a faithful vassal. He agreed to pay a massive tribute of 30 lakh rupees and hand over several key forts and territories, including those he had received from Raja Ram, a rival.
However, Raja Ram had his own plans. Before the Mughals could take possession, he seized a crucial fort at Palayamkottai himself. This act of defiance forced Zulfikar Khan to lay siege to the very fort that was meant to be his without a fight. The siege was short but intense, and after just six days, the fort fell. The Mughal army then returned to their base, only to face an enemy that was more prepared than before. The Marathas had cleverly set up outposts in the surrounding forests, cutting off the Mughals’ supply lines and making any further siege attempts difficult.
The Double Game of Zulfikar Khan
While Zulfikar Khan publicly appeared to be fighting for the Emperor, a darker truth was known to many. The siege of Gingee, which he was supposed to be leading, was widely believed to be a pretense. Rumors and reports, including one from the local chief Yachama Nayak, accused Zulfikar Khan of treason.
According to these accounts, Zulfikar Khan was not trying to win; he was deliberately prolonging the war. His motive? He was biding his time, hoping to seize power for himself after the aging Emperor Aurangzeb passed away. Yachama Nayak was so confident in his own abilities that he offered to capture the fort in just eight days, unaided, to expose the general’s deceit.
Zulfikar Khan’s campaigns were a fascinating blend of military might and political opportunism, leaving a lasting impact on the local powers of South India.
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