A History of the Mahrattas v1.c19.57

v1.c19.57

All the Deshmookhs and Deshpandyas, in the Moghul districts of Maharashtra, fortified the villages where they resided, on pretence of defending themselves, but they frequently joined or assisted their countrymen, of whatever party, in escape, defence, or concealment. One very rich caravan of treasure, escorted by a large detachment under Mohummud Ibrahim Tebreeze, was attacked on the route from Surat to Aurungabad, the troops were entirely destroyed, and the property carried off.² This robbery was probably committed by Khundee Rao Dhabaray. For many years that officer had subsisted his followers in Guzerat and Kattywar, and exacted a tribute in those provinces. He acknowledged Shao as his chief, and when Daood Khan was appointed to Guzerat, he withdrew from the neighbourhood of Ahmedabad and established himself in the strong country about Naundode and Rajpeeplee³; whence it is likely, from the nature of the attack, this was his first sally.