History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c76.s4.6

v5.c76.s4.6

To crown all, the famous hill-fort of Trimbak was invested by a force of 2,000 men, who constantly patrolled round it for six months, so as to cut off its grain supply. But a prolonged siege in that region always involved the risk of Maratha bands raiding the other parts of the district which were denuded of troops. Matabar Khan, therefore, bribed the qiladar with Rs. 80,000 in cash and kind and the offer of high rank in the Emperor's service and induced him to yield the fort (8 January 1689.) Telang, Rao and Shyamraj, the commandant and civil officer of the fort, were high officers of Shambhuji, and had often commanded his field armies independently.