History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c74.s3.11

v5.c74.s3.11

The Marathas evacuated that town at their approach and retired beyond Uttramalore, plundering the towns of the cows, cattle, etc. as they went. The Mughal vanguard pursued them, and fought them at Wandiwash in a battle where both sides suffered equal loss (8th March); but on being reinforced they seized Wandiwash and made it their camp, while the Marathas encamped at Chitpat, a day's march southwards. The main armies on the two sides remained in this position for a year, merely watching each other,[*] but they daily sent out detachments and foraging parties who plundered the country indiscriminately. The hapless people, who had not yet recovered from the effects of the desolating famine of 1686,* had now to endure two sets of robbers instead of one. No regular battle was fought for many months afterwards, but skirmishes and alarms were frequent, the trade of the district was ruined, industry ceased, grain and oil-seeds became very scarce from the constant plunder and ravage, and multitudes flocked to the fortified European settlements on the coast as their only refuge.