Mugahal Rule

Aurengazeb, the Moghul emperor had determined to conquer and annex the two kindgoms of Golconda and Bijapur. In the years 1686 and 1687, Aurangazeb invaded Bijapur and Golconda and conquered them.The Moghul army continued its march down to the Carnatic In October 1687, news reached the Fort St. George that the Moghul forces had come as far south as Kanchipuram and that the Moghul flag was hoisted on the fort of Poonamalli, as the Hindu Chief of Poonammalli accepted the overlordship of Aurangazeb.^[1]

During this time, one Potty Cawn (Fath Khan) was appointed Subedar of the area (Chengalput District) with headquarters at Chengalput.^[2]. The Moghul army penetrated further south. But Sambaji the son and successor of Shivaji, took up army against the Moghuls in the Deccan and prepared to resist their incursions into Ginjee territory. Late in 1689, Aurangazeb captured Sambaji, the Mahratta King and tortured him to death. Sambaji’s brother Raja Ram Maharaja was made the king of the Mahrattas at Ginjee.

Aurangazeb subdued all the Deccan powers of Golconda, Bijapur and the Marathas and became supreme in South India up to Tiruchirappalli Zulfikar Khan, an able general of Aurangazeb was appointed as the Chief of the Deccan provinces. But, the Nayak of Gingee who ruled the districts south of Chengalpattu from the strong fortress of Ginjee was found not alligiant towards the Central Moghul power. Zulfikar Khan as directed by Aurangazeb proceeded towards Ginjee besieged the fortress. The siege ended favourable to Zulfikar Khan in 1698.^[3] The English at Madras assisted Zulfikar Khan “with power and services”. While the siege was on, the Moghul general issued firmans’ (royal order) confirming their possession of Madras and adding Egmore and Purasawakkam to their hold.^[4]