A History of the Mahrattas v1.c19.97

v1.c19.97

The first expedition, directed by Hoossein Ally Khan against the Mahrattas, was for the purpose of opening the communication between Surat and Burhanpoor, and suppressing the depredations of Khundee Rao Dhabaray, who had established a line of posts along that route, and exacted one-fourth of the effects of all travellers who did not purchase his passport. Eight thousand men were sent off under Zoolfikar Beg to destroy this freebooter, but Dhabaray hearing of their march, threw himself in the way, suffered himself to be pursued in the usual manner, until the Moghuls were broken, when wheeling round, the experienced Mahratta completely defeated them, killed the commander, and plundered his troops even of their clothes.¹