History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s9.19

v4.c64.s9.19

At the end of December 1682, Prince Azam had a severe encounter with the Marathas. On 14th June he had been ordered to march out of Ahmadnagar and invade Adil-Shahi territory. In the course of this campaign he took Dharur. Then he entered Shambhuji's territory and leaving his wife Jahanzeb Banu (popularly called Jani Begam) behind in his camp, with Rao Anurudh Singh Hada and his Rajputs to guard her, he advanced with his army further into the enemy's country. The Marathas, sending off one division to keep Azam engaged, suddenly threatened the Begam's camp in overwhelming force. (The heroic daughter of Dara Shukoh mounted her covered litter on an elephant, and advanced two miles from her camp to oppose the enemy on the way.) Although Anurudh and other officers, as well as her eunuchs, tried to dissuade her from leaving the shelter of the camp, she did not agree, but urged them to advance, saying, "The situation is critical. Leave off talking and turn to the work."