History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c77.s4.2

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.]