Shivaji and His Times c9.s2.30

c9.s2.30

The loss of Panhala roused the Court of Bijapur from its sleep. Khawas Khan was blamed for his incompetence and neglect in defending the realm. Bahlol Khan was sent to recover the fort, while three other great generals were summoned from the provinces to join him and with Mughal co-operation make a united attack on the Marathas. But, as usual, Shivaji struck the first blow and upset his enemies' plans. He detached Pratap Rao, Anand Rao and several other generals, at the head of 15,000 troops to attack Bahlol before his allies could join him. By two night-marches of great speed and secrecy, the Marathas came up with Bahlol at Umrani, 36 miles west of Bijapur city, and completely enveloped his camp at a distance, before he knew of their presence. They quietly cut him off from his water-supply, and next morning charged his camp in successive groups from different quarters. The battle raged all the day with intense ferocity. Many were slain and wounded, though the light and elusive Marathas suffered less than the hard-pressed and densely crowded Bijapuris. But Bahlol's Afghans held their ground with desperate tenacity. Indeed, flight would have meant destruction for them after that day-long fight in April heat without any water to quench the thirst of man or beast and with an exultant light cavalry hanging on their heels.