History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s10.10

v4.c64.s10.10

Shambhuji now set 50,000 men to work to fill up the channel, 800 yards broad and 30 yards deep, with stones (or "with timber and bags of cotton," according to a Bombay letter) and thus form a causeway for his storming parties. But the Mughal invasion of N. Konkan and capture of Kalian (c. 30 Jan.) forced him to hasten back to Raigarh, leaving only 10,000 men to continue the siege, which was done very slackly in his absence. Large Maratha forces had to be posted elsewhere to meet the three main Mughal armies, as we have already seen.