History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c76.s1.5

v5.c76.s1.5

Again, from the nearest north-eastern corner of the Koli country, another but more difficult route led, through the Babhulna pass and skirting the forts of Salhir and Mulhir (in Baglana, or the broken country immediately east of the Ghats and north of the Chandor range), into West Khandesh, or turning south and crossing the Chandor range into the rich plains of the north Nasik district and further east to the neighbourhood of Aurangabad, the capital of Mughal Deccan, without having to overcome any natural obstacle on the way. Similarly, from Kalian in the heart of the Thana district (30 miles north-east of Bombay), an army can march north-east, cross the western range by the Tal Ghat, and thus enter the Nasik district through its south-western corner, or by marching due east enter the Puna district in its extreme north, near Junnar, by the Nanaghat pass. Southwards the Western Ghats along their entire length are pierced by numberless passes, more or less difficult, which shorten the journey from any part of the Konkan plain to places immediately east of them on the highlands across the mountain barrier.