History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c62.s5.4

v4.c62.s5.4

Nor did the Mughals attain any better success in their attack on Golkonda which followed immediately afterwards. During their siege of Kulbarga (June 1677), Qutb Shah had massed his troops on his western frontier, under his commander-in-chief Muhammad Ibrahim, with orders to be watchful; but there was no conflict. After the Mughals had effected their conquests in this corner of Bijapur, they turned to settle accounts with Golkonda. They threatened (middle of August) Qutb Shah with invasion unless he seized and delivered up to them Shivaji and Shaikh Minhaj,—the last of whom had taken much money from the Mughal viceroy by promising to join him, but had ended by going over to Golkonda. A little later they demanded from the Sultan one *krore* of Rupees and 10,000 horse, as a fine for his having assisted Shivaji. He replied by offering to pay only five *lakhs*. Then Dilir and Bahlol tried to redeem their promise to the Emperor by setting out on an invasion of Golkonda (September.) From Kulbarga, the last Mughal outpost, they advanced to Malkhed, 24 miles eastwards, the first enemy fort on the Golkonda frontier, which they took in one day.