History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c80.s4.22

v5.c80.s4.22

Similarly, the province of Aurangabad was frequently ravaged by the Maratha bands under Dhana Jadav and other leaders. The Emperor ordered Nusrat Jang to punish the enemy. Leaving his baggage in Ahmadnagar (May 1706), he rapidly advanced to Tisgaon (24 m. e.) and thence followed the trail of the ever-shifting Marathas to Bir (65 m. e. of Ahmadnagar). The pursuit was closely kept up. The Marathas fled by way of the Dharampuri ghat, Purley (13 m.n.e. of Ambajogai), Ausa, Tuljapur and Parenda, and then across the Bhima to their refuge in the Mahadev hills. Nusrat Jang came back to the imperial camp, but was soon afterwards sent against Dhana, who was now reported as roving near Miraj. The latter retired beyond the Krishna, and the Khan halted for the rainy season 24 miles from Miraj. In his recent forced marches nearly all of his horses and transport-cattle had perished through scarcity of fodder. Grain and fodder continued to be very scarce in his camp even during this monsoon halt; the soldiers were greatly distressed and the horses lost condition. [Dil. ii. 156b 157a; M. A. 515.]