History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c84.s2.t2.6

v5.c84.s2.t2.6

∗ "Who did not co-operate with Dhana and other Maratha generals, being prompted by self-will" &c. [*Dil.* ii. 148b.] Manucci says (iii. 426) that the Marathas plundered Sironj most fearfully, having crossed the Narmada in two bodies, totalling 50,000 horse. And again (iii. 501), "In January 1704, the Marathas crossed the Narmada, penetrated the forests of Mandu, plundering and ravaging several provinces, as well as the town of Sironj. They went further, and going through the hill-passes of Narwar, they entered the province of Calabad (? Kalpi), close to Gwalior, a three days' journey from Agra." The two accounts seem to refer to one and the same raid. The unhappy Rustam Khan,—this being his second capture by the Marathas—was suspected by the Emperor of cowardice and collusion with the enemy, and degraded by a hazar zat (7 Jan. 1704.) But on 7 Feb. the general's Court-agent submitted to the Emperor that in the fight with Nima in Berar, Rustam had 2000 men (including his son-in-law) slain on his side, and that the spy's report charging him with cowardice was false. The Emperor ordered an enquiry, after which Rustam was reinstated. [*Akh.*] Bhimsen also charges him with shirking battles. [*Dil.* ii. 146b.]