History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c36.s6.14

v3.c36.s6.14

Daud Khan's plan was to halt on the capture of the entrenchments, and to set out against the fort of Palamau after consolidating his gains and guarding his flanks. But his troops, flushed with victory, could not be held in hand. They galloped in pursuit, forded the river in groups, and kept touch with the enemy's Rear. Then they stormed the walled city; the enemy fled from it, and with great difficulty retired to the two forts, old and new, at Palamau. Pratap Rai, sending out his family and most valuable property into the jungle, stood a siege. The Mughals massacred the people of the city and, advancing, attacked the fort gate. A hot fire was kept up by the garrison till 9 P.M. But an hour and a half afterwards, the Rajah escaped by the postern gate into the jungle. The imperialists now seized both the forts. They had lost 61 killed and 177 wounded. Soon afterwards Deogan fort was also recovered from the enemy.