A History of the Mahrattas v1.c9.162

v1.c9.162

The Beejapoor chiefs, who, like all the Deccanees, were adepts at intrigue and negotiation where force was ineffectual, sent messages to Futih Khan, representing how much he should sacrifice by surrendering the fortress; and that if he would agree to remunerate Shahjee, and not deliver up Doulutabad to the Emperor, they would support him and maintain the former alliance. The proposal being acceded to, both in conjunction, without any previous declaration, opened a fire on the Moghuls, which so enraged Mohabet Khan, that he determined on regularly investing the place and punishing this unparalleled breach of faith on the part of Futih Khan. Having a fine army with many experienced officers, he formed a part of it into three divisions: one to oppose the Beejapoor army; another to cover the supplies of his own camp; and the third to prevent any provisions or stores from being thrown into the fort. Each was to support the other as necessary, whilst the main body, under his own superintendence, was destined for active operations against the fortress.