History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c73.s2.8

v5.c73.s2.8

∗ Z. S. says that Rajaram fled from Raigarh to Pratapgarh on 10 Chaitra Badi (=5 Apr. 1689), issued from Panhala on 8 Ashwin Badi (=26 Sep.) and reached Vellore on 11 Kartik Badi (=28 Oct.) The initial and final dates are correct, but in the middle one I suggest Asharh for Ashwin (thus getting 30 June for the departure from Panhala), because it is hardly possible for a man to cover the 500 miles from Panhala, via Bednur to Vellore in the 32 days (26 Sep.—28 Oct.) that Z. S. gives to this journey. Moreover, we know from the contemporary imperial history Masir-i-Alamgiri (328) that Rajaram went through many adventures after leaving Panhala; he was overtaken by the Mughals on an island in the Tungabhadra on the frontier of Bednur, escaped from the ring of his enemies, and was concealed by the Rani of Bednur and subsequently allowed to go away. A week or two of time must be allowed for these causes of delay, but Z. S.'s dates leave no room for them in the last part of Rajaram's journey. Chitnis's itinerary of Rajaram [ii. 26—31] seems to me to be imaginary and of no value.