History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v2.c24.72

v2.c24.72

Just then orders arrived from the Emperor recalling the pursuing force in hot haste to the Court, to repel Shuja's invasion. The troops, utterly exhausted by their incessant marching over long stages through the dreary sands and jungles of Sindh and with most of their remounts and transport animals dead of fatigue, welcomed the command, and set their faces homewards up the Indus (5th December).* They had failed in their quest, but had still won glory. Their supreme feat of endurance had missed success when almost within their grasp, through their lack of boats. The pursuit which had been so relentlessly carried on for three months since Dara left Lahore, now ended. Nor was it any longer necessary; for Dara's ruined condition and the terribly inhospitable region that lay before him promised little that he would ever again threaten the Imperial throne.