History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s10.23

v4.c64.s10.23

On 5th April 1683, freed from all fear of the Mughals, who had entirely evacuated N. Konkan a fortnight earlier, Shambhuji launched his attack on the Portuguese.* With 1,000 horse and 2,000 foot he raided the open town of Tarapur and burnt it and all other towns from Daman to Basein. "The captain of Tarapur, a native of India, by name Manuel Alvares, retired to the so-called fortress, and made a palisade of palm-trees, from which he made various sallies against the enemy and killed many of their men, commonly reported to have been 700," [exaggeration.] A blacksmith and his son with two hatchets cut down every soldier who entered their door, and thus saved their property.