History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c66.s5.4

v4.c66.s5.4

This Mughal force marched south-eastwards along the north bank of the Bhima river. The 70 miles between Sholapur and Kulbarga were easily passed, as this country was imperial territory. Then Khan-i-Jahan, in charge of the advanced division, reached Malkhed, 25 miles further east, while the Prince kept 3 or 4 marches behind. But when the Mughal vanguard under Jan Nisar Khan approached Serum, 8 miles east of Malkhed, he found his path barred by a Golkonda army, variously estimated from 40,000 to 70,000 men, under Mir Muhammad Ibrahim, the premier peer, Shaikh Minhaj, and Madanna's gallant nephew Rustam Rao. The enveloping movement of the Deccani cavalry was defeated after hard fighting; but the Mughal advance was stopped and Jan Nisar Khan fell back on Malkhed. Every day there were skirmishes with the enemy, who hovered round the imperial army and tried to assail it at a disadvantage. In view of the enemy's superior numbers, Khan-i-Jahan ran up walls round his camp at Malkhed and practically stood a siege there. As Bhimsen writes, "He fought on the defensive, because it was difficult for him to advance one step." (Dil. 187.) After some time the Prince arrived on the scene* with the rest of the army. Some days were passed in negotiations, but the Deccani generals insolently rejected the Prince's offer to secure a pardon for Abul Hasan on condition of his submitting to the Emperor.