The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c19.148

v4.c19.148

Ibrāhīm 'Ādil Shāh had continued to act with conciliation towards the empire and had attached a force to the Mughal garrison of Burhānpur. He recalled these troops in his extremity to Bījāpur and begged further assistance. His appeal met with a generous response. Burhānpur was nearly denuded of troops and the Mughal governors of Ahmadnagar and Bīr marched with many other officers to the relief of Bījāpur. Malik 'Ambar vehemently protested, claiming to be, equally with Ibrāhīm, the emperor's vassal, and that the quarrel between them related to part of the ancient territory of Ahmadnagar, wrongfully occupied by Bījāpur. His protests were unheeded, and he raised the siege of Bījāpur and retired towards his own dominions. Meeting the army which was marching to the relief of Bījāpur he suddenly fell upon it, routed it and captured many imperial officers. He then attacked Ahmadnagar but, discovering that a protracted siege would be necessary, left a force to blockade it and marched to Sholāpur, the possession of which had been contested between Bījāpur and Ahmadnagar ever since the two kingdoms had been founded. Sholāpur fell and Malik ‘Ambar sent a force to besiege Burhānpur.