Later Mughals v2.c15.s15.3

v2.c15.s15.3

As affairs had been arranged in Gujarat, there was no danger to the Mahrattas from that direction, they turned with their full force upon Malwa. It was reckoned that they had now one hundred thousand horse in the province. Fath Singh and others were posted with thirty thousand horse at Khimlasa, 42 miles east of Sironj; Chimnaji (Baji Rao's brother) Malhar and others with an equal number were in Umatwara,* between the Kali Sind and Parbati rivers; twelve thousand were still south of the Narmada; another twelve thousand were coming up by way of Sagar. Directly the Mahrattas were announced the zamindars flocked to them to pay the khandani or blackmail that they habitually levied. Having thus secured themselves these Rajahs went home and stirred not hand or foot to aid the Muhammadans. Muhammad Khan's attempt to open negotiations direct with Rajah Sahu at Puna was unfruitful. He was referred to Baji Rao, Pandit Pardhan, "who was his sole and only adviser in all matters". [Id. 321.]