History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c62.s6.3

v4.c62.s6.3

But the triumph was momentary. The enemy soon rallied. The Afghans and Rajputs in the allied army suffered terrible hardships from excess of rain and the scarcity of grain caused by the enemy hovering around. Bahlol Khan was struck down by a mortal illness, and his retainers dispersed to save themselves from starvation. Then Dilir made a disastrous retreat to Kulbarga, the enemy hemming him round and making daily attacks. His baggage was looted and his men had to stand to arms from morning to night in self-defence and suffer heavy losses. It took them 12 days to retrace their steps over the 24 miles between Malkhed and Kulbarga, the enemy disputing every inch of the ground. The famished imperialists ate the seeds of the toddy-palm and the date-palm. For two days they had to seek shelter in a *nala* without any drinking water. It was only the unconquerable spirit of the Rajputs and their ready sacrifice of life that brought Dilir's army back to safety at last.