History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c73.s3.4

v5.c73.s3.4

In the year 1689 many Maratha forts fell easily into Aurangzib's hands,* but it was not then worth his while to lay regular sieges to the numberless other forts in Maharashtra, as will become evident when we consider his position in that year with reference to the entire Deccan and not in respect of the Marathas alone. They were a minor factor at that time and he expected them to be subdued as the natural consequence of the fall of their king and the impending capture of their capital and royal family. The Mughal Emperor had yet to gain his knowledge of the character of the Maratha people and of the people's war. His one aim now was to occupy the rich and boundless dominions of the fallen Adil Shahi and Qutb Shahi kingdoms, and he would take the Maratha forts only if they could be secured easily and cheaply. Therefore, during 1689, 1690 and 1691 Aurangzib was too busy in the plains of the south and the east to divert his resources to the barren hill-forts of the west. Nor had he been yet seized with the obstinate folly of his old age, which made him dash his health, army, treasure and empire itself against the Maratha rock-fortresses,—only to win them after a prodigal waste of time, money and men, and then to lose them to the Marathas when his grand army marched away from the conquest.