History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c77.s4: § 7. Hardships of the imperialists.

History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c77.s4

Language: English

§ 7. Hardships of the imperialists.

v5.c77.s4.1

These two sieges had caused an enormous waste of men, horses and transport animals in the imperial army. The treasury was empty, the soldiers were starving at their pay being in arrears for three years. Heavy and unprecedented rain began to fall early in May and continued till the end of July. The army was eager to withdraw to a place of greater comfort and plenty. On 21st June the return march towards Bhushangarh commenced, but the sufferings of the miserable soldiers were only aggravated by the change.

v5.c77.s4.2

All transport animals had perished during the siege, and, as the official historian humorously describes the situation, "the gypsies of the army had to load their household goods on their cocks." No camel was left alive in the army, on account of the excessive rain and the unsuitability of the climate for these animals. The few cart-oxen and even the elephants that survived had nothing but their skins and bones left. Only a small part of the property of the Emperor and the nobles could be loaded on these weak elephants, half-dead bullocks, day-labourers and paupers from the charity-kitchens. Much had to be left in the forts or burnt. Many of the elephants and bullocks under their excessive burdens fell down dead and blocked the roads. Many persons of noble birth had to walk on foot through the mud for mile after mile. [M. A. 429; K. K. ii. 472-73; Dil. ii. 133b.]

v5.c77.s4.3

One march was followed by two days' halt, in order to allow the stragglers time to come up. Only three miles were covered by a day's march. The Krishna was in such high flood that the opposite bank could not be seen from this. Great difficulty was felt in crossing such a huge army over the swollen river. Only seven half-broken and clumsily-patched up boats were available for ferrying the men across. The people in their struggle to get seats in them took to their swords, and thus every day some men were killed or wounded at the ferry. Some Turani soldiers seized two boats by attacking them sword in hand, and then made much money by charging one gold mohar instead of the normal Rupee, as ferry-fee from every passenger that they took on board. Many thousands of the poorer people were left behind and died there. [K. K. ii. 473.]

v5.c77.s4.4

Then, by way of Sabitgarh, the army reached Bhushangarh* on 25th July, having taken 35 days to cover some 45 miles! Here a month's halt was made, during which the rain ceased and the camp again "breathed at ease." The generals were dispersed to various fertile comfortable places to recuperate their war-worn men. Prince Azam was sent to Khandesh to refresh, the other nobles to their jagirs, if within 10 or 12 marches, or to Bijapur and other cities. Orders were sent to the provincial governors to send fresh troops to the Emperor's side. Bidar Bakht, who was guarding the Base, was deputed with Nusrat Jang to attack Panhala.†