Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.16.8

2.16.8

Meanwhile Dara approached the fortress of Tata-bakar; and when only two or three days' journey from the place, he received intelligence (as I have been since informed by our Frenchmen and other Franks who formed part of the garrison) that Mir-Baba, by whom the fortress had been long besieged, had at length reduced it to the last extremity. Rice and meat sold for upwards of a crown per pound, and other necessaries in the same proportion. Still the Governor continued undaunted; making frequent and successful sorties, and in every respect approving himself a prudent, brave, and faithful soldier; opposing, with equal calmness and resolution, the vigorous assault of General Mir-Baba, and deriding both the threats and the promises of Aureng-Zebe.