History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c76.s4.15

v5.c76.s4.15

It is well provisioned. Five to six thousand infantry are required for investing it completely, and its siege will cost much money and time." It stands on the top of a hill range with two other strong fortified peaks close to it, namely Palasgarh and Bhandargarh on the north and south. Matabar, therefore, set himself to gain the fort by corruption. Through Narso Mahadik he opened negotiations with Dwarkoji, the *havladar* of Mahuli, and other leading officers of the place, promising them high ranks in the imperial army if they submitted. They asked for an imperial letter formally granting these terms. Such a letter addressed to Dwarkoji reached Kalian on 28th July 1689.