A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.80

v1.c17.80

Aurungzebe, whom we have mentioned as marching to Burhanpoor, remained there for some months regulating several departments in finance, and settling plans for the approaching grand arrangements he had in contemplation. He first ordered Sultan Mauzum, now dignified with the title of Shah Alum,² to proceed in advance from Ahmednugur with his whole army and reduce Sumbhajee’s southern territory, whilst Sultan Azim was directed to reduce his northern forts about Candeish, Buglana, and Sungumnere, and to commence by besieging the important fortress of Salheir, the acquisition of which by Moro Punt had afforded such facility for Mahratta inroads through Candeish. Accordingly, Sultan Mauzum descended into the Concan by the Ambadurray Ghaut near Nassuck, and passing the Kallian district, already devastated, advanced to the southward, where he plundered and burnt the country from Raigurh to Vingorla. Sultan Azim marched towards Salheir, where much resistance was expected, but Neknam Khan, the Moghul Killidar of Molheir, who joined the prince on his advance, had obtained a previous promise from his neighbour the Mahratta Havildar to surrender Salheir as soon as the army came before it. Such negotiations being always doubtful in their issue, Neknam Khan had prudently communicated the agreement to the Emperor only; the place, however, was evacuated, and the prince, with the feeling of a very young commander disappointed in the expected fame of the conquest, expressed great displeasure at being sent on such a service. He was shortly after recalled, the Emperor promising to employ him in the war against Beejapoor.¹ Shahabodeen Khan was therefore ordered to reduce the remainder of the forts, but met with an unexpected resistance from the Havildar of Ramseje, by whom his troops being repeatedly repulsed, Khan Jehan Buhadur was sent to repair the failure, but after many vaunting attempts equally unsuccessful as those of his predecessor, he was compelled to retire with disgrace.