History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s10.37

v4.c64.s10.37

The retreat from Durbata was disastrous for the Portuguese. A hill dominated the place of embarkation, and the Viceroy sent three companies of white and one company of native infantry to fortify the hill-top with wooden *chevaux de frise* and hold it at all costs in order to ensure a safe retreat. But the Maratha foot posted behind the hill, by a pretended flight, lured the holders of the hill to descend from it and pursue them in the open. The Viceroy, seeing the danger, himself hastened to occupy this supremely important position, but only 16 out of his 60 horsemen followed him, the rest hanging back in fear.