The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.84

v4.c18.84

Before this battle took place Aurangzīb had matured his plans. To secure his rear he changed his attitude towards the kings of Golconda and Bījāpur, no longer holding them to the fulfilment of their engagements, but promising rewards when he should become emperor. He asked Bījāpur to employ Shivājī in the Carnatic while at the same time he was offering Shivājī permanent grants in the Deccan. Troops had been enlisted, European gunners employed and large stores of ammunition prepared. By February, 1658, he was ready to leave Aurangābād, and after a month’s stay at Burhānpur set out on the march which was to conduct him to the throne. Omitting no precautions he even imprisoned his own father-in-law, who showed reluctance to join his rebellious enterprise. Near Dīpālpur he was joined by Murād Bakhsh and made a short march to Dharmat, fourteen miles from Ujjain.