Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 31.2

31.2

He will be punished." So said he and imprisoned the two envoys. But beset with fear the Habsi marched by stages to Bijapur. The Maharaja, when informed of this, pursued him. And as Yakud Khan fled by night, the two envoys found some opportunity and escaped to the Maharaja, who was informed of what had happened. The Maharaja was greatly enraged. "Had Yusuf Khan the audacity of giving such a reply ? Well, he will soon be punished." So thought the Raja. And resolved to punish the Siddi, he sent about one thousand sawars near Janjira and commenced a war. Vyankaji Datto, a good soldier of known courage, was commissioned to capture (the Khan) on his way back from Bijapur. The Khan, however, kept information about it and fled by the route of Rajgad, Tale, Ghosala and Birvadi. Vyankaji Datto pursued him and went as far as Janjira. There he established military stations and harassed the country as much as he liked. As the Rayats were greatly troubled, Fate Khan and Yakud Khan assembled their relatives and tribesmen and urged them to fight with courage and unity. But the behest was not liked by all, as the Maharaja's army was strong in cavalry, elephantry, chariotry and infantry (chaturanga sena) and had a very large supply of military stores. "We (the Habsis) have infantry and shall have to march forward in order to fight them. They are ready to meet us at a place where they have strengthened themselves.