The letter was carried to Aurangzeb by Bhai Daya Singh. The letter contained the references to the valour of Khalsas against the Moguls. Aurangzeb did not mind it. He was then a 90 year old bed ridden emperor. He infact asked his minister Munim Khan to formally invite Guru Gobind for talks with due honour. The emperor was then in the south.
Guru Sahib set out on 30 October, 1906 for the southern land to meet Aurangzeb. He decided to take Rajasthan route. On the way Rajasthan’s Rajput King’s accorded him warm receptions and honoured him for challenging the common enemy.
He was met by Bhai Daya Singh while Guru Sahib had only reached Baghaur. He had information to convey. He revealed that the old emperor looked to him a terminally ill person. That turned out to be true.
The news arrived that Aurangzeb had passed away on 20 February, 1907. So, Guru Sahib cancelled his southern tour because his aim was only to meet the emperor, Aurangzeb. He instead went to Delhi. Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Deewan had already reached Delhi from Damdama Sahib.
Post Aurangzeb developments
After the death of Aurangzeb circumstances in Delhi changed fast. Power struggle began between the sons of Aurangzeb namely Muazzam, Azam and Kambaksh for the Delhi throne.
Prince Azam was in the south with his father. He declared himself the ‘Emperor of Hindustan’ and set out for north to take control of the capital. Prince Muazzam was already in north. He wrote a letter to Guru Gobind Singh seeking his help and blessings. Although Guru Sahib had no more army of any significance yet he sent whatever fighters he could manage with ample blessings.
The armies of the two brothers clashed at a place called Jajaoo near Agra on 18 June, 1707. Azamshah lost the battle and his life as well. After that Muazzam descended on the throne of the Mogul Empire.
Guru Sahib stayed on in Delhi for some time and preached to his faithfuls. Then, he set out for Agra via Mathura and Vrindavan. Muazzam heard about the arrival of Guru Sahib. He asked his minister to bring him to the Mogul court with due honour and courtesy.
Guru Sahib went to the court of the Mogul Emperor. The Emperor thanked him for his help in the succession war. Guru Sahib was presented a lot of precious gifts and Muazzam expressed his wish to give him an estate as well. Guru Sahib politely refused to accept the estate. It was their courtesy meeting.
Guru Sahib had gone to the Mogul court in his battle dress which mightily impressed the emperor as it embellished his glorious personality.
Later Guru Sahib and Muazzam met several times again to discuss political issues. Guru Gobind hoped to resolve all contentious matters between Mogul Empire and Khalsas. He expressed his hope in a letter written by him on 2 October, 1707 to a Sikh Sangat.
But on 12 November, 1707 Muazzam departed for the south to crush rebellions raised by some Rajput Rajas in league with his brother Kambaksh. It was a sudden development.
To take the dialogue to the logical conclusion Guru Sahib also undertook a parallel journey to keep Muazzam’s company. Both the camps moved side by side. But sometimes Guru’s camp would take a little diversion when he found Muazzam too busy in his own affairs. During those times Guru Sahib would do his spiritual preaching to the people.
At a stage Guru Sahib realised that Muazzam was not serious about solving their mutual issues. He thought that the Mogul Emperor was merely taking him for a ride. Guru Sahib wanted Muazzam to take firm action against Sirhind governor Vazir Khan. But Muazzam looked reluctant about it. In sheer frustration Guru Sahib departed on his own separate way.
There appeared to be some various serious communication gap between Mogul court and its state governors and commanders. In case of Guru Gobind the Mogul court and the Emperor were making clear friendly moves and posturing to him personally whereas their governors and commanders were baying for his blood and that of his family. It was utterly confusing and baffling.
After leaving the emperor’s caravan Guru Sahib moved westwards. He reached Nanded via Jaipur and Jodhpur in August, 1708. Nanded was situated on the bank of Godawari river. That area was under Maratha influence. Moguls were facing big trouble from Marathas in the western region. Guru Sahib refused to help Moguls against Marathas as Muazzam was dilly dallying in his own case.
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