Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 38.1

38.1

S. D. [236] Then Saista Khan was recalled and another expedition was sent with Jaya Sing as Commander-in-Chief, and Dilel Khan as his second. He came to Aurangabad and made every necessary arrangement for the province. Thence he marched to Sinhagad and constructed a battery. The Maharaja decided to go to Purandar, encouraged his men, went out and reached the fort. He used to assemble his men there, go to Rajgad, destroy the battery, or failing that, provision the fort ; and in this manner was the fort defended for sometime. As he used to lead the assault upon the battery personally and the casualty was very great, the Mirza Raja raised the siege of Sinhagad when he learnt the news of the Maharaja's coming, and applied himself against Purandar. The Maharaja's men stopped all provision as far as Pedganv. They also used to harass the roads, fall upon the enemy force, and destroy the batteries. At that time the Mirza Raja and Dilel Khan had erected a battery on the hill near Rudramal, and mounting their guns thereon, opened fire, and balls began to hit the fort. Another battery was erected on the Narayan side, but the garrison used to sally through the Kedar gate and destroy the batteries. The garrison could not be defeated and the Mirza Raja thought, — "The Maharaja has risen to re-establish the Hindu faith, and if I offer him any hindrance it will cause the disappearance of religion. This is not at all good. Men, money, heart and luck are all in Sivaji's favour.