History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c61.s3.23

v4.c61.s3.23

The news of his return march had an immediate effect: the Bijapuri division under Sharza Khan evacuated the imperial territory and joined the army under Abdul Muhammad (the wazir) which was following Jai Singh. But in this month of January, four great misfortunes befell the Mughals. First, when about the 12th, a brave Afghan captain named Sikandar (the brother of Fath Jang Khan) was convoying provisions material and munitions to the army of Jai Singh, a superior Bijapuri force under Sharza Khan slipped round Jai Singh and after covering 5 days' march in two days, surprised him at a place (Degaon, according to Dilkasha, 57) eight miles south of Parenda. To the enemy's invitation to desert to them, this loyal officer replied, "The only place where I can meet you is the battle field." Hopelessly outnumbered, he disdained to flee, dismounted, and fought with bow and sword, and then "with daggers and finally with his bare fists," till he was cut down. His son and some clansmen were picked up wounded and held as prisoners at Sholapur, and all his rich convoy was plundered. Jai Singh ascribed this disaster to the disloyal negligence of the commandant of Parenda.