History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s3.5

v4.c64.s3.5

The Marathas could make no immediate reprisal on account of the weather. But Shambhuji sent word of defiance to Khan-i-Jahan that he would "give him battle in the open field after the rains." At the end of October his armies were out, as usual, after Dashahara. One division, both horse and foot, was designed to march towards Surat and another towards Burhanpur, while a third kept Khan-i-Jahan in check by forming a screen before his encampment near Aurangabad. (Chopra to Surat, 20 Aug. and 10 Nov. *F.R. Surat* 108.) The news of the raids, however, quickly drew the Mughal general into Khandesh (about 25th Nov.) and the Marathas retreated from the province, but it was for a time only.