The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.85

v4.c18.85

The two imperial armies sent against the brothers, hampered by their instructions to fight only as a last resource, had wasted time and suffered from divided counsels and lack of intelligence. An attempt to stop Murād Bakhsh failed, and the earliest news of Aurangzīb’s movements was that he had already crossed the Narbadā and was rapidly approaching. Aurangzīb sent messages to Rājā Jasvant Singh of Mārwār, who commanded the Rājput army, asking him to withdraw as Aurangzīb was merely going on a peaceful visit to his father. The raja’s reply was to advance towards the prince’s position. Then only he learnt that Murād had joined his brother; too late he offered his submission, and his honour prevented him from accepting the terms which were offered. In the battle which ensued the Rājputs attacked the rebel forces with great bravery, but the disposition of the imperial troops was bad, and they were unskilfully directed. Many of their chiefs lost their lives and Rājā Jasvant Singh, badly wounded, was forcibly led away as he advanced to sell his life for his master. Only one of the senior Muslim officers was killed and the following day four of them offered their services to Aurangzīb while the rest escaped. Shāh Jahān, who had left Āgra for the greater comfort of his new palace at Delhi, returned on hearing the news of this disastrous loss.