Muntakhab al-lubab 53.1

53.1

[Text, vol. ii. p. 191.] Raja Jai Singh, with Diler Khan and his other associates, in obedience to orders, marched against Bijapur. He took with him, as guides and assistants, Mulla Yahya Bijapuri, Purdil Khan, Sivaji, and Nathuji, one of Sivaji's relations, who was his chief supporter, and for whom also a mansab of 5000 had been proposed. His force amounted on paper (kalami) to 33,000 horse, but he had with him 25,000. Abu-l Majd, grandson of Bahlol Khan, and one of the bravest of the nobles of Bijapur, separated from 'Adil Khan, and joined Raja Jai Singh, whom he assisted in subduing that country. The Raja acted in all matters upon his advice, and he wrote to the Emperor recommending that a mansab of 5000 and 4000 horse should be settled upon him, which request was graciously acceded to. Forts belonging to Bijapur were taken by storm, or after a few days' siege, in all directions. Sivaji and Nathuji, with two thousand horse and eight or nine thousand infantry, showed great skill in taking forts, and won much fame. In the course of three or four weeks three forts, Mangal-pahra and others, were taken. [Severe fighting.]