History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s5.3

v4.c64.s5.3

We get details of other Maratha activities in the Persian news-letters (Akhbarat.) In June 1681, Shambhuji's troops came plundering towards Indur, but they were driven back by Khan-i-Jahan's son Muzaffar and Ranmast, near the pass of Dharampur, and fled abandoning 8,000 heads of cattle and captives and many drums flags and weapons. Next month Netaji entered Baglana with 8,000 men. As usual, after the Dashahara day in October, the Maratha light horse set out to rove in different directions. There were rumours of their making a dash across the Ghats towards Ahmadabad, but Gujrat escaped this time. One division, 3,000 strong, came to raid Punagarh(?), but was routed by Ranmast Khan, who recovered much booty from the raiders. Another band, reported to be 25,000, moved towards Ahmadnagar, but Khan-i-Jahan intercepted it at a place some 22 miles north of Bijapur, and defeated it with heavy slaughter. An attack on Ahmadnagar was, however, actually attempted, as two Maratha princesses (a wife and a sister of Shambhuji) captured by Dilir Khan were lodged in that fort and the Marathas wished to rescue them. Some Maratha soldiers who had secretly entered the fort in disguise were detected and killed by the qiladar (Muqim Khan) and the rest driven away after a fight, (end of October.)