History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v2.c24.61

v2.c24.61

Attempt to intercept Dara’s army and boats. This was the most critical stage of the pursuit. Now, if ever, Dara’s flight was to be barred. He had been placed between the two divisions of the Imperial army,—Saf Shikan Khan’s before, and Shaikh Mir’s behind; and these two together outnumbered his force as five to one. His boats had to run the gauntlet of the guns of Sehwan Fort on the right bank and those of Saf Shikan’s light artillery on the left. But one way of escape still remained open: these two divisions of the enemy were posted on the opposite banks of a large swift river, at a great distance from each other, and with no adequate supply of boats for communication with each other. Dara with great promptitude and dash seized this weak point to effect his escape.