The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c19.92

v4.c19.92

Aurangzīb intended the annexation of Mārwār to be a preliminary step to the conquest of Mewār. He had already called upon the Mahārānā Rāj Singh to pay the poll tax for his entire state. The Mahārānā and his clansmen, the Sisodias, felt that if they did not stand by the Rāthors now both these first-rate Rājput clans would be crushed one by one and all Rājputāna would lie helpless at the emperor's feet. Moreover, Ajit Singh's mother was a niece of the Mahārānā. While Rāj Singh was making his war preparations, Aurangzīb struck the first blow. Seven thousand picked troops under Hasan 'Ali Khān marched from Pur, ravaging Mewār and clearing a way for the main Mughul army. The Rājputs could make no stand against the excellent Mughul artillery served by Europeans. Rāj Singh abandoned the low country and retired with all his subjects to the hills. The Mughuls took possession of his capital Udaipur and the famous fort of Chitor, demolishing all the temples there. Hasan ‘Alī entered the hills north-west of Udaipur and inflicted a defeat on the Mahārānā (1 February, 1680), capturing his camp and much property.