A History of Agriculture in India v2.c86.s2.3

v2.c86.s2.3

Sivaji built a great reputation for skill in reducing forts. He conquered the fort of Torna, some twenty miles (32 km) from Poona. 'By fraud and stratagem, and by his marvellous skill in the conduct of seiges, every fort that he approached fell into his hands after a few days investment,' states Khafi Khan. 'He reduced Sattara, Pannala and ten other forts belonging to Bijapur. He rebuilt the forts which had formerly stood on the sea-shore, and he constructed also vessels of war, which were kept under the guns of the fortress. With these vessels he attacked and plundered ships which were proceeding to Europe and to Mecca. The inaccessible forts of Rajgarh and Chakna were his abodes, and he had secured several islands in the sea by means of a fleet which he had formed. He built several forts also in those parts. Altogether, he had forty forts, all of which were well supplied with provisions and munitions of war.'