History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c44.s11.3

v3.c44.s11.3

Early in June, however, "a great defeat befell the imperial army." Mukarram Khan with a large force was operating against the Afghans near the saddle (*kotal*) of Khapush in the Bajaur country. After defeating several bodies of the enemy and plundering their villages, he was one day decoyed by the appearance of a small band of them to advance and give chase. Suddenly two large Afghan forces which had been lying in ambush, "concealed in the waist of the hill," fell upon him. The Mughals were hopelessly outnumbered, and lost heavily, including the youthful hero Shamshir Khan, a brother of Mukarram, and Mir Azizullah, his sister's husband. "Lack of water and of paths on any side whatever caused the death of many soldiers, both horse and foot." Mukarram Khan with a handful of survivors escaped to Bajaur and took refuge with its *thanadar*. (*M.A.* 144—145).