History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s5.1

v4.c64.s5.1

After missing the Marathas, Khan-i-Jahan encamped near "the dargah of Shaikh Farid, 30 kos from Aurangabad," and subsequently moved on to Babulgaon, some 26 miles west of the city. Here he learnt that another Maratha band was coming up from the south, by way of Ahmadnagar and Mungi-Pattan to loot Aurangabad. He took horse immediately and set off with his cavalry at 3 o'clock in the morning, arriving near the city at noon, just in time to save it. The enemy were located at the Baipura suburb and the Satara hill, 6 miles southwards. The city was in the wildest terror. Rajah Anup Singh Rathor, who commanded the garrison, had too small a force to take the offensive and contented himself with standing ready near his own pura. All houses were closed, the men sitting armed and trembling and the women weeping within doors. The streets and bazars were entirely deserted; only three footmen guarded the Prefect's office (kotwali.) As soon as the Khan arrived, the enemy fled without fighting. (Dil. 169.)