History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c68.s9: § 11. Golkonda surrendered by treachery.
History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c68.s9
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§ 11. Golkonda surrendered by treachery.
v4.c68.s9.1
In time the rain ceased, the roads became dry and the rivers fordable again, provisions began to come to the Mughal camp, and the famished troops got a new life. On 21st September, after the siege had lasted nearly eight months, "the luck of Aurangzib did its work, without a stroke of sword or spear." Golkonda was captured by bribery. (M.A. 292; K. K. ii. 361.)
v4.c68.s9.2
An Afghan soldier of fortune, named Abdullah Pani, surnamed Sardar Khan, had deserted Bijapur service for the Mughal and then left the Mughals to join Abul Hasan; and now in the decline of the Qutb-Shahi monarchy he had risen to be one of the two highest officers in the fort. This double-dyed traitor now sold his master to the enemy.
v4.c68.s9.3
He left the *khirki* or postern gate of the fort open, and at his invitation a party of Mughal soldiers under Ruhullah Khan crossed the broken ground between the siege batteries and the wall and entered the fort unchallenged, at about 3 o'clock in the morning of 21st September, 1687. They posted some men within to hold the ground and then opened the main gate through which the flood of Mughal invasion now poured into the fort. Prince Azam with the supports advanced from the river, at the foot of the fort, to the front trenches and then to the gate, and struck up the music of victory, proclaiming that Golkonda was at last won.