Shivaji and His Times c14.s2.3

c14.s2.3

Husain Khan is spoken of by Sabhasad as a high and powerful noble of the rank of Bahlol Khan, a brave general renowned for his martial spirit, and the leader of 5,000 Pathan archers, lancers, musketeers, and artillerymen. In January 1677, Bahir Rao invaded the Gadag district. Husain Khan Miana opposed him near Yelburga. After a long and bloody fight, the Pathans were defeated. Husain Khan, on account of his corpulence, could not ride on horseback. The elephant on which he was trying to escape was wounded in the trunk by Nagoji Jedhe and forced to turn back. Nagoji was shot dead, but the Khan was captured with 2,000 of his horses and some elephants. Shivaji offered to set him free if he gave up the fort of Kopal, but he declined and was kept a prisoner. Early in 1678, Shivaji conquered the Gadag district. At last after two years the Peshwa Moro Pant negotiated with Qasim Khan (the commandant of Kopal) through Husain's son and induced him to give up the fort for money (3rd March 1679.) Husain was now released and entered the Maratha service for a living.∗