The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c19.140

v4.c19.140

In 1620 Malik 'Ambar took advantage of the emperor's absence from the Deccan to attack imperial posts on his northern frontier. Ahmadnagar was besieged, and though the Mughul officer in command of the Deccan claimed a victory he found it necessary, owing to the scarcity of supplies, to withdraw his troops to Berār, followed by the enemy, who ventured to attack him even there, but were repulsed. The scarcity of supplies was again due to the tactics of the Marāthā auxiliaries of Malik 'Ambar, who was now in possession of the whole kingdom of Ahmadnagar and of the southern districts of Berār, with an army of 60,000 horse. Many of the imperial troops deserted, and their commander had to retreat to Burhānpur and was besieged there. Jahāngīr, infuriated by reports of this retirement, sent Shāh Jahān again to the Deccan with a large army, and himself returned to Āgra. Before Shāh Jahān reached Ujjain a force of Malik 'Ambar's troops had advanced and plundered villages under the walls of Māndū. The marauders fled across the Narbadā before his advanced guard but were pursued and many were slain.