A History of the Mahrattas v1.c15.13

v1.c15.13

The fort of Maholy in the Concan was not such an easy conquest as Poorundhur. Moro Punt was repulsed with the reported loss ¹ of one thousand men; but the siege was continued with spirit, and the garrison, in hopes of being relieved from Joonere, made a resolute defence, beat off a second assault, and held out for two months; but at the end of that time the fort surrendered. Kurnalla was likewise besieged and taken,² and the whole province of Kallian recovered by the end of June.³ Loghur was also surprised and taken; but an attempt on Sewneree failed.⁴ Sivajee in person superintended the siege of Jinjeera. Every year since 1661 he had erected batteries against it, and he now put forth his whole strength, in hopes of reducing it before the fair season. Nor was force the only means employed; promises of every kind were resorted to, and Futih Khan, though he at first indignantly rejected every inducement, at last began to entertain thoughts of accepting Sivajee’s protection, and surrendering. There were, however, three Abyssinians under him, who had rendered themselves particularly obnoxious to Sivajee; they were also bigoted Mussulmans, detested the Mahratta name, and being alarmed for their own safety, in case Futih Khan should submit, they determined to prevent such a measure at all hazards. To this end, they formed a conspiracy among their countrymen, and having obtained their suffrage, Futih Khan was placed in confinement, and greatly to Sivajee’s disappointment, they continued the defence of the place. They afterwards applied to the Moghul governor of Surat, offering, if duly supported, to hold their Jagheer and the Beejapoor fleet under the imperial authority. The names of these three Abyssinians were, Seedee Sumbhole, Seedee Yakoot, and Seedee Khyroo. The two last gave up their pretensions in favour of Seedee Sumbhole. Their proposals were accepted by the governor of Surat, and the terms confirmed by Aurungzebe, who changed the title of the principal Seedee from Wuzeer to Yakoot Khan.¹