New History of the Marathas v2.c32.10

v2.c32.10

The temporary lull in the operations caused by the monsoon was utilised for advancing preparations and making dispositions of troops to bring the enemy quickly to his knees. The region between Dharwar and Savanur formed the main theatre of the campaign. In the month of July Haidar planned a secret night attack against Gopalrao who was defending Savanur, but the latter having received a timely warning through his spies, remained on the alert and the enemy’s design came to nought. The Peshwa at once reinforced Gopalrao and directed his own attention to the capture of Dharwar, a strong and well defended fort, the principal station commanding the northern region of the Karnatak. Haidar’s commandant Fazl Ali Khan stoutly defended the post for two months, at the end of which he surrendered the place to the Peshwa on 6 November on a promise of his personal safety.