History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c62.s12.1

v4.c62.s12.1

Stung by the Emperor's reproaches and disillusioned by Masaud's abandonment of his insincere peace negotiations, Dilir Khan resumed the campaign. Despairing of taking Bijapur by siege or coup de main, and afraid of being attacked by Shivaji in the rear if he opened siege-trenches, the Mughal general deposited his heavy artillery and unnecessary baggage at Bahmanhalli, left the environs of the city on 14th November and marched westwards, intending to invade the Miraj-Panhala region and create a diversion there, which would quickly recall Shivaji home. The scheme seemed promising, as Shambhuji bragged of his ability to capture forts quickly with his Maratha followers and thus make the progress of the imperialists easy, while the petty chiefs (nayak-wars) of Miraj had been already won over by a Mughal agent.