The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.67

v4.c18.67

Early in 1651 the emperor set out on his last visit to Kashmīr. Skārdo, the principal fort in Bāltistān, had been taken by a rebel and a short campaign was authorised in which it was easily recovered. The court’s stay in Kashmīr was, however, cut short by floods and storms which desolated the beautiful surroundings of the capital, and Shāh Jahān left for Lahore. He had now decided to renew his attempt to win back Qandahār, and warned by the previous failure began to make more complete preparations. Aurangzīb marched from Multān in the spring of 1652 with a large force, and Sa‘d-ullah, the chief minister who had accompanied the emperor to Kābul, proceeded to join him with other troops and ample stores of munitions. Immediately after his arrival before the fortress Aurangzīb began the investment. In spite of the fierce bombardment by the Mughul artillery and the repulse of sorties the siege made little progress. The Persian guns were better served and the besiegers wore out some of their largest cannon. From the north the Uzbegs were already threatening Ghaznī, which lay on the route between Qandahār and Kābul, and Aurangzīb was recalled to Kābul after a siege of less than three months.