New History of the Marathas v1.c18.60

v1.c18.60

8. Heroic deeds of Santaji.—On the occasion of the Dasarā celebration of October 1695, Rāmchandra Pant called together at Vishālgad most of the responsible Maratha leaders for a conference and a personal consultation, with a view to taking stock of the situation as developed by the various scattered units wanting in cohesion and acting independently of each other, and for concerting effective measures to conduct a further offensive, as much to meet the danger signified by the Emperor's appointment of Kasim Khan, as to secure a rapid victory. They planned fresh grand operations : two main parties were formed, one to devastate the northern portions of the Mughal territories, and the other to operate in the region of the Tungabhadrā, so as to overcome Kasim Khan and relieve the pressure against the Chhatrapati at Jinji. Santāji agreed to execute the latter portion of the scheme, and Dhanāji was asked to remain in the region of Bijapur keeping an eye on the Emperor's moves as well as being ready to support Santāji if any danger threatened him. The Emperor was then camping at Brahmapuri, where he was soon apprized of the plans formed by Ramchandra Pant. He immediately despatched another tried general Himmat Khan to prevent Santāji from committing mischief. The two Mughal generals undertook what may be called a pincer movement to hem in Santāji both from front and behind. Dhanāji got scent of this move and made rapid marches towards the Karnatak to save the situation if it became serious. The Emperor became extremely ill at ease about the fate of his armies before the combined manoeuvres of Santāji and Dhanāji. Kasim Khan also reported to the Emperor how the situation was developing against him and pressed him for more troops and war material. In this crisis Aurangzeb selected another trustworthy young enthusiast, a rising star of his Court, Khanazad Khan, son of the revered Ruhulla Khan and despatched him with all haste to the south with a party of his own select body-guard, and several more tried officers, such as Safshikan Khan and Muhammad Murad Khan.