History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c75.s1.2

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.