History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c62.s12.6

v4.c62.s12.6

During this attack Bijapur was denuded of all her old captains except Maloji Ghorpare, his maternal uncle's son Manikji Khare (? Khopdé), and the officers newly appointed by Masaud. The total strength of the garrison was only 5,000, and "even these men were weak from scarcity of food." Masaud's own retainers were placed in charge of the towers, while the other troops were posted in the city, the suburbs and the ditch of the fort. "The Bijapuris were powerless to injure the Mughals. But God willed it that the Mughals would not take the city this time." (B.S. 503). From Shivaji's territory much grain and other necessaries reached the fort daily and caused abundance there, while the scarcity in the besiegers' camp reached its extreme. Dilir in utter disappointment sought for peace, but Masaud declined, as he knew the hopelessness of the Mughal position.