The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.68

v4.c18.68

Another prince now asked for permission to take the city. Dārā Shukoh was appointed governor of Multān and Kābul and spent the winter at Lahore constructing large cannon, providing munitions, and arranging columns of supply. In February, 1653, he set out from Multān, and instead of confining his efforts to direct assaults he also attempted to occupy the surrounding country so as to prevent relief coming from Persia. Bist and Girishk, which lay to the west, were recaptured and the district round was laid waste. As usual endeavours were made to win over the garrison, but they were no more successful than the bombardment. The outlying posts were abandoned to favour concentrated attack. New cannon brought up destroyed a long stretch of the walls, but the attackers were unable to force an entry. The approach of autumn favoured the besieged and the exhaustion of munitions and supplies made it necessary to withdraw the Mughul army if it was to escape destruction by the rigours of winter in Afghānistān. Early in October Dārā Shukoh began his retreat to India.