Later Mughals v2.c14.s25.8

v2.c14.s25.8

As soon as the real course of events was reported at Dihli, orders were issued to Rustam Ali Khan, the middle brother, then deputy governor of Surat and faujdar of Baroda and Pitlad, to draw from the treasury of that port whatever money there was in hand, and therewith equip a force to eject Hamid Khan. When these orders reached him, Rustam Ali Khan was at the pass of Khanapur some miles from Surat, engaged in a contest with Pilaji Mahratta. He returned at once to the city, and in a few days' time had got ready a force of 15,000 horsemen, 20,000 matchlockmen and bowmen, and sufficient artillery. The more prudent of his advisers pointed out to Rustam Ali Khan that in the three months when the rains began the Mahrattas would as usual withdraw. The interval could be best used at Surat in perfecting his preparations; and when they advanced they would in all probability win without a contest. But Rustam Ali Khan could brook no delay. Pilaji Mahratta, with whom Rustam Ali Khan had recently had some skirmishes, had followed him to Surat, and with 10,000 horsemen under his command barred the way. Mustafa Khan was sent to interview the Mahratta leader. Terms of alliance were offered to him, and for a payment of two lakhs of Rupees he consented, at least outwardly, to give his services.* Taking with him Kamgar Ali Khan, his brother-in-law, then faujdar of Baroda, Rustam Ali Khan set out in haste towards Ahmadabad, Pilaji his new ally marching one stage behind him.