History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c77.s7.1

v5.c77.s7.1

The terrible loss caused by the exploded mine at Satara and in the failure of the assault on that fort, had effectually damped the spirit of the Mughal army. Two mines had been completed at Panhala, but the generals shrank from firing them, as no soldier could be depended upon to rush to the breach and face the enemy's fire or even show himself in the open within range of the fort guns. So, the Emperor, after this heavy loss of money time and labour in mining and bombardment, was at last driven to bribery for gaining the fort before the rains began. Through Tarbiyat Khan secret negotiations were opened, a large bribe was paid to Trimbak, the qiladar, and he delivered the two forts on 28th May, 1701, the garrison being allowed to depart with their lives and property. Sir William Norris, the English ambassador, witnessed the scene.