History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c84.s2.t2.5

v5.c84.s2.t2.5

When the campaigning season opened in October 1703, Nima Sindhia* burst into Berar, defeated and captured Rustam Khan the deputy governor of the province (on behalf of Firuz Jang); and then raiding the Hushangabad district and crossing the Narmada he advanced into Malwa at the invitation of Chhatra Sal. After plundering many villages and towns, he laid siege to Sironj, but the chaudhuri of the place gallantly held out. The Emperor had (on 31st October) sent orders to Bidar Bakht, then in Aurangabad, to go out against these raiders. The prince was too distant from the threatened place, and could not begin his march in time. Then Firuz Jang, who had entered Berar in pursuit of another Maratha force, was given this duty. Leaving the frontier of Berar on 12th Nov. and depositing his heavy baggage and camp at Burhanpur, he hastened with light equipment on the track of the raiders, overtook them near Sironj, and immediately delivered his attack. Scattering the Maratha vanguard, he forced his way to the elephant ridden by Nima, who leaped down and fled away on horseback. Many of the Marathas and their local Rajput and Afghan allies were slain or wounded; the flags, kettledrums, elephants, camel-swivels &c. plundered from Rustam Khan were seized by the imperialists. The followers and cattle of Rustam, whom Nima was dragging along with himself, were released. The broken enemy fled eastwards into Bundelkhand, wishing to reach home by way of the Gond principality of Garha. Firuz Jang kept up the pursuit. [Akh. 11 March 1704.]