History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c76.s1.3

v5.c76.s1.3

The strategic bearings of the different points in this coastal region should be carefully remembered if Maratha history is to be intelligently followed. North of Dharampur and east of Surat, the Western Ghats sink near the Khandesh city of Nandurbar*, before they run into the Satpura range stretching west to east at right angles to them. Through this natural gap, the Tapti river rushes down to meet the western ocean near Surat. A Maratha force which had advanced beyond Dharampur, could either sack Surat and Broach (37 miles north of Surat) by going due north; or easily enter northern Khandesh by swerving eastwards and marching through this gap, past the city of Nandurbar, and then make a wide sweep, raiding the whole of Khandesh and Berar and returning home southwards and westwards through the north Golkonda territory.