History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c63.s9.4

v4.c63.s9.4

Shivaji took full advantage of his enemies' moral and political weakness. Early in October 1673, he was reported to have made 20,000 sacks "ready to convey what plunder he can get, having also a considerable flying army ready for that action." On the 10th of October, this army, 25,000 strong, led by Shivaji in person, burst into west Bijapur territory, plundering many rich towns, and then passed into Kanara for more plunder. This work occupied him till the middle of December.