History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c74.s13.13

v5.c74.s13.13

Asad Khan now made secret overtures of peace to Rajaram, offering a heavy bribe if he was allowed to retreat to Wandiwash unmolested. The Maratha generals and ministers pressed their king to continue the war, crush the Mughal army which was half dead from starvation and thus establish his rule over that country before a new army could be sent by the Emperor. But Asad Khan "had cast a spell over Rajaram," so that the latter rejected the advice of his followers and agreed to an armistice to let the Mughals withdraw if the wazir would recommend it to the Emperor to make peace with the Maratha king. On the other side, too, Dalpat Rao urged Zulfiqar not to withdraw, as it would only bring disgrace in the end, and he offered his own gold and silver worth Rs. 40,000 for the Khan's army expenses. But while Zulfiqar was hesitating, his hands were forced by his soldiers.