The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.34

v4.c20.34

During this eclipse of royalty, Harjī invaded the Hyderābād Carnatic north of the Palār river and took easy possession of several forts (including Arcot) and a hundred towns. The Marāthās plundered the country and even the sacred city of Conjeveram (January, 1688). On the arrival of Aurangzīb’s officers, the raiders retreated, but took post a day’s march south of the Mughul camp at Wandiwāsh (March). For a year the two armies remained there watching each other, but daily sending out detachments which plundered the country indiscriminately. The trade and industry of the district were ruined, food stuffs became very scarce, and all who could fled to the fortified European settlements on the coast for shelter.