A History of the Mahrattas v1.c18.34

v1.c18.34

In Zoolfikar Khan’s army there were a number of Mahrattas both in the cavalry and infantry. In the latter were the same body of Mawulees that had assisted in the capture of Raigurh,² and among the former there were two of the relations of Raja Ram, Gunnajee and Ranoojee Sirkay, who having deserted to the Moghuls when Annajee Dutto was executed, had attained commands and were esteemed good officers. The second in command to Zoolfikar Khan in this army was Daood Khan Punnee³ a Deccan officer of some repute, but notoriously addicted to drinking. The fort of Ginjee consists of several contiguous hills, strongly fortified, and is many miles in circumference. The Moghuls never considered an army capable to undertake a regular siege, unless sufficiently large to surround the place invested and completely obstruct communication. Zoolfikar Khan, finding his force inadequate for this purpose, after he had commenced some works, represented that a reinforcement was necessary, and until it should arrive, he left a detachment at Ginjee and undertook an expedition to the southward, where he levied contributions both from the Rajas of Tanjore and Trichinopoly.