History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c65.s9: § 10. Sufferings of the besieged.
History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c65.s9
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§ 10. Sufferings of the besieged.
v4.c65.s9.1
The result of this silly backdoor diplomacy was to "throw the Bijapur enterprise into confusion." The sufferings of the besiegers were aggravated by a scarcity† which was raging in the Deccan on account of the failure of rain that year. (K.K. ii. 317.) But the sufferings of the besieged were ten times worse. The Mughals could now draw their supplies from all parts of India, the Bijapuris had to depend solely on their sterile neighbourhood. As the lines of investment were drawn closer round the city, the supply failed altogether. "Countless men and horses died within the fort," and from lack of horses the Deccanis could not follow their favourite tactics of hovering round the enemy and cutting off stragglers and transport. (K.K. ii. 322; Dil. 202.)
v4.c65.s9.2
∗ M.A. 293 says that some of these secret couriers were executed
v4.c65.s9.3
† Ishwardas draws a lurid picture of the famine of grain and fodder in the Mughal camp and the consequent epidemic of fever and flux But the official history and Dilkasha (whose author was present in the camp by deputy) are silent about it. I fear that Ishwardas has transferred to the siege of Bijapur what happened at the siege of Golkonda a year later
v4.c65.s9.4
In the extremity of the siege, a deputation of Muslim theologians issued from the city and waited upon Aurangzib in his camp, pleading, "You are an orthodox believer, versed in Canon Law, and doing nothing without the warrant of the Quran and the decrees of theologians. Tell us, how you justify this unholy war against brother Muslims like us." Aurangzib was ready with his reply. "Every word you have spoken is true. I do not covet your territory. But the infidel son of the infernal infidel (meaning Shambhuji) stands at your elbow and has found refuge with you. He is troubling Muslims from here to the gates of Delhi, and their complaints reach me day and night. Surrender him to me and the next moment I shall raise the siege." (B.S. 542.) The scholars were reduced to silence.
v4.c65.s9.5
Shortly after Aurangzib's arrival the sap had been carried to the edge of the moat, but the filling up of the ditch seemed an impossible task. "From the fort walls the artillery struck down whosoever reached the edge of the ditch. None durst show his head. For three months the broad and deep moat remained unfilled. Then it was proclaimed that every man throwing a basket of earth into the moat would get four annas for it. But when many of the men were struck down, the labourers gave up the work. Then one Rupee and finally one gold coin were given as the reward for throwing one basket of clay. The work was now done incessantly. Every man or beast that died was dragged and flung into the ditch. Nay more, some godless work-people, inspired by greed, threw living men and women into the ditch and took away their money! By dint of hard exertion many of the trenches were carried to the moat and it was almost filled up." (Ishwardas, 101 b.)
v4.c65.s9.6
When this stage was reached, Aurangzib on 4th September advanced his tent from two miles in the rear to a place immediately behind the trenches. Thither he rode fully armed, by a covered lane, and received the salute of the investing officers. Next he rode to the edge of the moat to inspect the battery raised to command the fort bastion and to learn for himself why the conquest was delayed. The Mughal troops, inspired by the Emperor's presence and words, attempted an assault on the wall opposite. But it failed. The Bijapuris fired briskly at him and his cortege, inflicting much loss. (Ishwardas, 102 a; M.A. 278.)