[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Mughals (1526–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal) › [Later Mughals (1707–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later) › [Muntakhab al-lubāb](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.muntakhab-al-lubab) › [Muntakhabu-l Lubab, of Khafi Khan (Elliot & Dowson, extracts)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.muntakhab-al-lubab~en-elliot) › 53 # Muntakhab al-lubab 53: Campaign against Bijapur. Muntakhabu-l Lubáb, of Kháfí Khán (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 53 - **Language:** English ### Campaign against Bijapur. ### [53.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.muntakhab-al-lubab~en-elliot.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. \[Severe fighting.\] ### [53.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.muntakhab-al-lubab~en-elliot.53.2) At length, after two months' fighting, the Imperial forces came to five kos distance from Bijapur. On the 2nd Rajab they began the investment of the city. 'Adil Khan, being now closed in, directed his generals to enter the Imperial territory and lay it waste. Others were sent to oppose the Raja and attack his baggage. The embankments of the tanks were cut, poisonous matters and carrion were thrown into the wells, the trees and lofty buildings near the fortress were destroyed, spikes were fixed in the ground, and the gardens and houses on both sides of the city were so destroyed that not a trace of culture was left near the city. \* \* Khwaja Neknam, a eunuch, joined Sharza Khan, the commander of 'Adil Khan's army, with a reinforcement of 6000 horse and 25,000 infantry, from Kutbu-l Mulk. Every day there was severe fighting, and the men and animals which went out from the Imperial army to forage were cut off. Diler Khan was present wherever danger was, but to recount all the combats which were fought would be long and tedious. \* \* ### [53.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.muntakhab-al-lubab~en-elliot.53.3) Sivaji, with Nathuji and several thousand Imperial horse, had been sent to reduce the fort of Parnala; but after making some bold movements, he was obliged to relinquish the attempt, and proceeded to Khelna, one of his own forts. Nathuji, who had been corrupted by some of the Bijapur chiefs, separated from Sivaji, and went off along with them. The Raja called Sivaji to him, and treated him very courteously. At length, by the active exertions and clever management of Sivaji, several forts came into the possession of the royal forces. In accordance with Sivaji's own desire, and in performance of the promise made to him, under the Imperial orders he was sent off express with his son at the end of the month of Ramazan to Court. After the departure of Sivaji, the siege of Bijapur was carried on for two months and a half longer, and there were many hard fights under the walls. \* \* ### [53.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.muntakhab-al-lubab~en-elliot.53.4) At the end of Zi-l ka'da the siege had gone on for eight months, during which neither cavalry nor infantry had rested. All round Bijapur for forty or fifty kos not a trace of grass or fodder was left. No supplies arrived, so the Imperial armies were reduced to great straits. The Raja and Diler Khan therefore deemed it advisable to remove to the neighbourhood of Dharur, to have their wounded tended, to give rest to their troops, and to collect lead and powder. They also hoped to obtain there supplies of fodder and corn. A despatch to this effect was sent off to the Emperor. The Dakhinis also, inside the fortress, found their provisions drawing to an end, and their weapons expended or damaged. Both besiegers and besieged were therefore anxious for an arrangement. \* \* When the despatch reached the Emperor, he issued an order directing his generals to cease operations against 'Adil Khan. Raja Jai Singh was directed to proceed to Aurangabad, and Diler Khan was recalled to Court. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.muntakhab-al-lubab~en-elliot.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.muntakhab-al-lubab~en-elliot.53) · Pramāṇa