A History of the Mahrattas v1.c9.161

v1.c9.161

Futih Khan, on hearing of the march of the Beejapoor army reinforced by Shahjee, sensible of the general hatred towards himself throughout the country, proposed to place himself under the protection of the Moghul general, Mohabet Khan, and to give up the fort. Mohabet Khan, much pleased with an offer so advantageous, marched as soon as possible towards Doulutabad. The army of Beejapoor, however, arrived first, and, to prevent communication with the fort, threw themselves between it and the Moghuls. A battle, of course, ensued; the ground was obstinately contested by the Beejapoor army, and Shahjee creditably supported the leading part he bore in the cause; but they were finally driven back and forced to encamp sixteen miles on the opposite side of Doulutabad.