History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c75.s1: § 1. Qasim Khan marches against Santa Ghorparé.
History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c75.s1
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§ 1. Qasim Khan marches against Santa Ghorparé.
v5.c75.s1.1
The Maratha captains infested various parts of Mughal Deccan in the usual manner throughout October and November, 1695. Early in November Santa was reported to be 'out' near Bhagdurg* (in the Bijapur district) and Dhana near Akluj, while other bands were roving in Junnar or threatening to penetrate to Berar and Khandesh. Soon afterwards Dhana marched with a large force from Satara, across the Krishna to Bhagdurg, and thence to the Madras Karnatak, where he propped up the Maratha cause by driving away Zulfiqar Khan from the siege of Vellore. [Z. S.] Santa, who had been looting the Bijapur district, vainly pursued by an imperial detachment under Himmat Khan south of the Krishna, now turned southwards to convey his rich store of plunder to his own estate in N. W. Mysore.
v5.c75.s1.2
Aurangzib, then encamped at Islampuri, ordered Qasim Khan, the able and active governor of the Sera country (western Mysore), to intercept the raiders. To reinforce Qasim Khan, he sent a detachment from his own camp under some of his highest younger officers,—Khanazad Khan (afterwards Ruhullah Khan II. and Lord High Steward), Saf Shikan Khan, Sayyid Asalat Khan and Muhammad Murad (the Paymaster of Prince Kam Bakhsh's army),—with a command of 25,000 men on paper but only 4,800 troopers in actual muster. It was, however, a very choice corps, being composed of men from the Emperor's guards and personal retinue and the contingents of the nobles who had to patrol round his tent on different days in the week (*haft chauki*), with artillery. They joined Qasim Khan about 12 miles from the Marathas' expected track, early in November. Santa, who had been roving at a distance, heard of his enemy's position and movements, came up with them by swift marches, and skilfully matured a plan for their destruction, which the luxury and thoughtlessness of the Mughal generals crowned with the most complete success imaginable.
v5.c75.s1.3
∗ The name as spelt in *Akhbarat* (5 and 15 Nov.) Probably Ramdurg, (75.20 E. 16 N.), near Torgal, between Bijapur and Dharwar. [*Ind. Atlas*, 41 N. E. Bombay Gaz. xxiv, 396.]
v5.c75.s1.4
Khanazad Khan was a Persian of the highest descent, being the son of the late Paymaster-General, Ruhullah Khan I, and great-grandson of the Empress Mumtaz Mahal's sister. With him had come some officers of the greatest influence and favour in the Emperor's personal circle. Qasim Khan rose to the height of hospitality required by guests of such a rank. Discarding the simple and light kit of a general who would wage war with the Marathas wisely, he brought out of his stores in Adoni fort, his 'showy articles, such as brand-new Karnataki tents, gold silver and China vessels of all kinds, etc., and sent them six miles ahead of his halting place to be kept ready for himself and his guests when they would arrive there at the end of the next day's march.' [M. A. 375.]