A History of the Mahrattas v1.c13.4

v1.c13.4

Shaisteh Khan accordingly marched from Aurungabad with a great force, and pursuing the high road by Ahmednugur and Pairgaom, turned from the latter place westward towards Poona. On his route, he sent a detachment to take possession of Sopa, and pitched on Jadow Rao, Deshmookh of Sindkheir, Sivajee’s relation, to occupy the districts.¹ Sivajee, on the approach of the Moghul army, left Rajgurh, and made Singurh his principal residence. Shaisteh Khan took Poona, and sent out strong detachments to occupy the Katruje Ghaut and the village of Sewapoor. Parties were also detached to reconnoitre the forts ; and as Chakun lay between him and Joonere, which was inconvenient, and as he expected that so small a place would surrender on the first summons, he moved against it with the main body of his army ; but Phirungajee Nursalla, who had remained in command of Chakun since the year 1646, refused to surrender and made an excellent defence. Chakun held out against the Moghul army for nearly two months. At last, on the fifty-sixth day of the siege, a mine having been sprung under the north-east bastion, a very large, practicable breach was made, and many of the garrison were killed by the explosion. The Moghuls being prepared for the assault rushed forward, but were met by the remains of the garrison, headed by their gallant Havildar in the breach, which was so well defended that the assailants could make no impression. The besieged maintained their post till night-fall, when the attack ceased ; and in the morning, Phirungajee Nursalla capitulated. Shaisteh Khan, in admiration of his conduct, treated him with great respect, and made him considerable offers if he would enter the imperial service, but Nursalla did not disgrace the fame he had acquired by accepting them ; Shaisteh Khan dismissed him with honour, and he rejoined Sivajee, by whom he was commended and rewarded.²