The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.128

v4.c20.128

In the campaign against Lohgarh the imperialists suffered greatly from the broken jungly nature of the country, excessive rainfall, intense cold, scanty supplies and heavy losses among the horses and cattle, besides terror of the Gurū’s magical powers. The vanguard was led by Rustam-dil Khān, who made an advance of eight miles to the bank of the Som, after a hard fight in which 1500 Sikhs fell. On 10 December, 1710, the Sikh entrenchments on the top of the Dabar hills were attacked by prince Rafī‘-ush-shān, the minister Mun‘im Khān, Zu-’l-Fiqār, Chhatra Sāl Bundelā and other generals. The Sikhs lost heavily from both artillery fire and close fighting. At midday the imperialists halted outside instead of pressing into the fort of Lohgarh. Soon afterwards the captured Sikh trenches were entered by plunderers from the Mughal army, who set fire to what they could not carry off; several powder magazines were thus blown up. Other hill tops were still occupied by the Sikhs and the fighting was still undecided in the passes. Taking advantage of this confusion, Banda escaped down the other side of the hill with his chief men. The Sikh opposition ceased by evening-time. Many women, children and horses were captured, besides three cannon and seventeen light pieces. The flight of Banda nullified the victory of the imperialists. The emperor then turned to punish the hill-Rājās of Garhwāl and Nāhan, for having assisted Banda to escape. Two million rupees in coins were dug out of Lohgarh.