History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c74.s14.14

v5.c74.s14.14

Zulfiqar had rashly begun the siege of Jinji, without first bringing the country around under his control. His stay before the fort had necessarily involved his army in the risk of destruction in a hostile neighbourhood. But now, strengthened by the adhesion of these men of local influence, he set out in February 1694 to conquer the South Arcot district. The fort of Peru-mukkal, on the top of a steep hill 300 feet above the plain, 18 miles north of Pondicherry and 6 miles east of Tindivanam, was stormed for him by Dalpat Rao's Bundelas under his eyes.* Thence he went to the beach to gaze on the ocean for the first time. Then he marched down the East Coast, towards Tanjore, by way of Pondicherry and other European factories†, capturing many forts in the South Arcot district, and skirting Cuddalore at the end of February. Yachapa co-operated with him.