Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 1.6.6

1.6.6

Aurangzib Badshah learnt at Delhi the news of the disturbance created in the Mughal territories, and (he) felt much troubled in his mind thinking—"Sivaji has waxed powerful, a Bijapur force like that under Afzal Khan, (consisting of) twelve thousand horse (he) has overthrown, he is capturing Badshahi forts and strongholds. What steps should be taken with regard to him?" So thought he and having assembled all his wazirs and omraos, and deciding to send a general with one hundred thousand horse to the south against the Raje, [34] and so arranging that Nawab Saista-Khan, who was the second image of the Emperor and a relation (of his), should be sent, called the Nawab to the presence and questioned him. The Nawab said, "What is Sivaji? I will take him a prisoner as soon as I go (there). I will win (the war) by capturing his forts, strongholds and dominions." By many effusions of this nature he accomplished (his purpose). After this, the Badshah became highly satisfied (with the Khan) and favoured him, by giving him a jewelled crest for his turban, a dress of honour, horses, elephants, and ornaments. With him (were sent) one hundred thousand horses and elephants, and besides them, many attendants including clerks (Mutsuddies) etc., archers, musketeers, Rajputs, and camel-riders (shutar-ban). Similarly artillery drawn by elephants, camel swivels, and horse battery, lancers, light armed men and infantry, (sent with him) were beyond counting.