History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s17.11

v4.c64.s17.11

In October 1684, we find Mughal outposts holding Chakan, Garh Namuna and Supa in the Puna district. Many Maratha captains were induced by Firuz Jang to desert to the imperial side, among them being Padamji, Ankoji, Malhar Rao, and Subhan Chand, and, later, Arjunji the son of Shambhu's uncle. In May 1685 more of his officers,—Babaji (or Manaji), Vikaji, Nagoji and one Shambhuji—were won over by Aurangzib. (Jaipur records.) Early in December Kondana was captured by Abdul Qadir; evidently it was poorly defended. (M.A. 249-258.) While every Maratha soldier was sorely needed for home defence, they made the mistake of blindly following their policy of mulk-giri and raiding Khandesh. On 5th February 1685 they entered Dharangaon, plundered it, and burnt about a quarter part of the town or more than 1,000 houses. This band of horsemen was only six to seven thousand strong and led by Ranke Rao (? Ranga or Janki Rao) and Niloji Pandit. The incursion did not continue for more than eight days; but this small force in such a short time "made a vast havoc in the country, ......seeing that the king [Aurangzib] had drawn most of his forces towards Bijapur and left the passages on this side but thinly guarded." (Jetpad to Surat, 12th Feb., in F.R. Surat 109.) At the same time there were frequent conspiracies against Shambhuji and rumours about his being deposed and even killed. In February the imperialists gained the fort and town of Karwar. (Karwar to Surat, 19 Feb. 1685, in F.R. Surat 109.)