History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c77.s7.5

v5.c77.s7.5

The pursuit of Dhana was continued by Nusrat Jang, who drove him back after an attack on him 12 miles beyond Chikodi (40 m. s. e. of Panhala), and then fell back on Panhala. Dhana then resumed his activity and sent Krishna Malhar with 10,000 horsemen to raid the highway near Panhala,—evidently to cut off the grain supply and communications of the besiegers (4th Feb.) Dhana himself tried to intercept some Mughal heavy guns which had reached Kararabad, while Krishna Malhar attacked the outpost of Khatau, and Ramchandra and Dado Malhar descended into Konkan to fight Siddi Yaqut of Danda-Rajpuri (4th Feb.) A little later, while Ramchandra was trying to convey provisions under escort of 2,000 foot-musketeers to beleaguered Panhala, Nusrat Jang came upon him, slew many of his men and looted most of the provisions. Ramchandra, however, succeeded in entering the fort, (24th Feb.)* Before the fall of Panhala, the elusive Dhana Jadav was roving here and there, vainly pursued by Nusrat Jang, who could not keep pace with him and constantly lost troopers and horses through forced marches. On 20th April Raṇuji was reported as coming towards the fort at the head of 20,000 men, and Baharji as having been captured by the imperialists. Dhana now halted for some time in Singhgarh, with only 400 men, while the main division of his army (15,000 strong) was sent under Dado Malhar to raid Mughal territory.