Shivaji and His Times c14.s1.2

c14.s1.2

Leaving Mysore (January, 1678) he crossed the Tungabhadra, and by way of Kopal and Gadag, reached Lakshmishwar in the Dharwar district. The desai, named Khangauda, had evacuated his fort in terror, and it was occupied by the Marathas. Bankapur, 20 miles s. w. of Lakshmishwar, was next threatened, in the middle of January, 1678. (O. C. 4314.) From this place Shivaji turned his steps northwards, and arrived near Sampgaon in the Belgaum district. At Belvadi, a small village 12 miles s. e. of Sampgaon and 30 miles s. e. of Belgaum, Savitri Bai, the widowed lady proprietor, plundered some transport bullocks of Shiva's army when passing by. Her fort was at once besieged, but she defended it most heroically for 27 days, after which it was carried by assault and she herself was captured.[†]