A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.102

v1.c17.102

Sultan Mauzum meanwhile had successively captured Gokauk, Hooblee, and Dharwar, in which he had met with little resistance; but famine, pestilence, and the drafts from his force required to garrison the new acquisitions, had so greatly reduced the numbers and efficiency of his troops, that when attacked by a small detachment, sent against him from Beejapoor, he was scarcely able to defend himself. Roh Oolah Khan was immediately sent forward with a party to his assistance, and Khan Jehan was ordered to cover Roh Oolah Khan. Until this succour arrived, the prince's army was constantly harassed; most of the horses being dead, nobles and troopers were reduced to the necessity of marching and fighting on foot, which even the common horsemen considered a degrading hardship. The wreck of this fine army returned to Ahmednugur, more effectually reduced than if they had been vanquished in many battles.¹