History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c84.s1.t7.2

v5.c84.s1.t7.2

Rahim's army had now increased to 10,000 horse and 60,000 infantry,—a vast medley of vagabonds and adventurers of all kinds. Near Murshidabad he was attacked singlehanded by Niamat Khan, a small jagirdar, who was slain and his property plundered. Then, defeating a Government force of 5,000, the rebels plundered Murshidabad. The neighbouring city of Qasimbazar escaped this fate in consequence of its merchants paying a blackmail. [Surat to Bombay, 23 Oct. 1696, in *Orme MSS.* 119.] Smaller bands spread all over the country, looting, burning and forcing people to join them. In March 1697 Rahim took Malda and Rajmahal.