04-24-2006, 11:37 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In 1656-57 Chhatrapati Shivaji first came into conflict with the Moghals. He raided Ahmadnagar and Junnar. Soon after Aurangzeb ascended the throne. He appointed Shayista Khan as the Viceroy of the Deccan (1658). Shayista Khan marched into Shivaji's territory, captured Chakan (1660) and Poona. In April 1663 Shivaji made a daring entry into Shayista Khan's camp, and in the attack Shayista Khan was wounded. He was transferred to the province of Bengal. In 1664 Shivaji marched against Surat through Javhar and Ramnagar. The city of Surat was sacked and Shivaji returned with a huge booty.
Following the treaty of Purandar (1665) Shivaji quietly prepared for a struggle with the Moghals. In 1670 he attached the Moghals, and recovered almost all the forts surrendered by him under the treaty of Purandar. He carried the struggle into the Moghal territory of Baglana and captured Ramsej, Ahivant, Patta, Hanumantgad and a number of other forts. In 1670 (October) Shivaji once again sacked Surat. While returning from that city laden with booty, Shivaji was opposed by the Moghals near Vani Dindori on 17th October 1670. The battle of Vani Dindori has been described by Bhimsen Saxena, the author of Torikhe Dilkusha, who was an eye-witness of it. The account given by him is as under: On 3rd October 1670 Shivaji sacked Surat. Muazzam ordered Daud Khan to immediately proceed against Shivaji. He was accompanied by Bhimsen and Mir Abdulmabud. The Moghal army had camped at Vaijapur when the news was brought that Shivaji was returning after the plunder of Surat. Bhimsen informed Daud Khan of this. Daud Khan with his troops immediately moved against Shivaji. In the meanwhile Bhimsen was informed by his messengers that Shivaji had completely sacked the market of Mulher (Aurangagad) and could be intercepted. Neknam Khan also informed likewise. Daud Khan hastened towards the Chandur Ghat from where a road led to the country of Baglana. The messengers of Bhimsen now informed him that Shivaji came to know of the approach of the Moghal army and has therefore marched after leaving the fort of Salher. He intends to crossover the Kanchan-Manchan ghat (about ten miles to the west of Chandur). Neknam Khan the commandant of the fort, of Mulher, also communicated likewise to Daud Khan. Daud Khan upon this marched towards Chandur with a view to intercept Shivaji. He reached Chandur in the evening. Bakikhan, the Faujdar of Chandur had gone to the fort due to the invasion of the Marathas. He came down from the fort and met Daud Khan. Awaiting for further news, Daud Khan halted at that place to rest. At midnight Bhimsen was informed by his messengers that Shivaji had crossed the Kanchan-Manchan ghat and was hastening towards Nasik Gulshanabad. That his contingent was already on the ghats and was waiting for the troops that were following it. By the time this news was received, the night was considerably advanced. Even then without waiting for a moment Daud Khan hastened on the march. He left behind the non-combatants. The night was still and completely dark with the result that Daud Khan's soldiers missed direction. Daud Khan and Mir Abdulmabud lost touch with each other and were forced to halt till day-break. The non-combatants in the meanwhile joined.
Galib Khan, Naraji and Basvantrav were in the rear. I (Bhimsen Saxena) accompanied them. Ikhlas Khan Miyana, the grandson of Bahlol Khan and the son of Abdul Karim, was on the front. He was a commander of five thousand. In the early hours of the morning he reached the top of the ghat. He found the Maratha army in a state of preparedness. Ikhlas Khan also ordered his troops to get battle-ready. He had a few camels loaded with arms and ammunition. The soldiers of Ikhlas Khan started puttillg on the armour. Ikhlas Khan was young and impulsive. Without giving thought to the consequences of his action he attached the enemy with only a few soldiers under his command. The Marathas had a strength of over 15000. Ikhlas Khan started fighting with the Marathas. In the thick of the battle Ikhlas Khan fell on the battle field severely wounded.
By this time Daud Khan arrived at the scene of the battle He realised the precipitate action of Ikhlas Khan and sent the following officers to his succour to the battle front: (1) Rai Makrand Khatri, (2) Shaikh Safi, the brother of Daud Khan, (3) Bhan, the family priest of the Raja of Chanderi and (4) Sangram Khan Ghori. He himself followed these officers. On the way on an elevated ground was a desolate village. A stream flowed by its side. Daud Khan detailed Baqir Khan and Ibrahim Panni with elephants, banner, drums, etc. He informed them that the non-combatants and the rear of the army are on their way and on their arrival they should be instructed to halt at the place.
I (Bhimsen Saxena) reached by the side of Baqar Khan. Sangram Khan Ghori and other nobles were already dispatched ahead. A close battle was fought between them and the Marathas. Sangram Khan Ghori, his sons and other relations were wounded. Many of the Moghal troops were killed. Among them were imperial troops, and also soldiers in the pay of noblemen. Rai Makrand and Bhan Purohit had a good train of artillery under their command and they forced the Marathas to retreat. By that time Daud Khan reached the place. Ikhlas Khan had fallen wounded. He was token care of by Daud Khan who -himself started fighting with the enemy. The Marathas fought in their own way running round the Moghal force and attacking them. A few of them were killed by the Moghal artillery and the rest retired.   Â
The whole route was full of ascents and descents. Mir Abdul Mabud and the other Moghal troops were forced apart. Marathas attached them and in the resulting encounter Mir Abdul Mabud, one of his sons and many of his troops were wounded. One of his sons and a few of his troopers were killed. He was deprived of his horses and arms by the Marathas. Bhimsen says that he was informed of this by a servant of Abdul Mabud and conveyed it to Baqi Khan. Baqi Khan was holding position on an elevated ground. He saw the flag of Abdul Mabud and the shears of Maratha soldiers. By that time the Marathas had already left the field of battle. Baqi Khan sent his own palanquin, with a few others and also some of his men. Bhimsen accompanied them. When they reached the spot they found Abdul Mabud in an unconscious state. The dead and the wounded were then removed from the scene of battle.
At that time Daud Khan commanded not more than a thousand to two thousand troops. By evening the Marathas again launched an attack. The MoghaI officers were seasoned and experienced and fought desperately. Daud Khan dispatched messengers calling Baqi Khan and other officers. The Marathas now had no alternative but to resort to flight.
The MoghaIs with the flush of victory blew trumpets. ArrangeÂments were then made for the burial of the dead and care of the wounded. Daud Khan carried IkhIas Khan and Mir Abdul Mabud to his own tent and mended their wounds. Shaikh Muinuddin, the son of Ihatisham Khan later carried Abdul Mabud to his own tent and started nursing him. Only a few in the camp were provided with tents, the rest being under the open skies. Bhimsen was asked by Daud Khan to inspect the trenches which he did. Bhimsen was later called by Abdul Mabud who handed over to Bhimsen the seal of his office. This battle was fought near Vani Dindori on 17th October 1670. It may be mentioned here that when news was received of the, Maratha descent into Konkan, the Moghal troops remained stationed at Nasik for over a month. As Shivaji was returning from Karanja he was joined by a column under Moropant. The united division besieged the fort of Salher and captured it on 5th January 1671 after a short but desperate defence by Fathulla Khan, its Moghal commander. The details of the capture of Salher fort by the Marathas are graphically given by Bhimsen Saxena. They are as under: After the battle of Vani Dindori, Daud Khan was camping near the fort of Ankai-Tankai. When his son Hamid Khan informed him of the Maratha designs on Burhanpur, he proceeded towards that place. In the meanwhile the Marathas moved towards Baglana and plundered the market of Mulher-Aurangagad. Then they besieged the fort of Salher. Daud Khan speedily reached Mulher where he halted. It was decided to deposit the bag and baggage at Mulher and proceed the succour of Salher in the morning as a few detachments were on their way the Mulher. Daud Khan marched early in the morning while Bhimsen with a few cavalry-men straggled behind. Bhimsen reached a burnt-out village between Salher and Mulher near about which was a small hillock. Bhimsen was in a fix but one of the soldiers saw him and said that he knew the fellow and called Bhimsen by name. Bhimsen got extremely terrified. He could not place the caller. Then the caller gave out his name as Nur Khan. He approached Bhimsen and consoled him and took him safely to the Moghal camp. Bhimsen states that while at Aurangabad, Nur Khan had received considerable help from Bhimsenâs father when he was in extreme difficulty. While DaudKhan was on his way to Sather he received the news that the Marathas had captured the fort of Salher (5th January 1671). He therefore returned to the Moghal base camp at Mulher which Bhimsen says âis situated on the banks of a stream. It has an excellent climate. There is a garden with a fine grape vine." Daud Khan was very well received by Neknam Khan, the commandant of the fort of Mulher. Daud Khan then proceeded to Chandur and halted at Kanchan-ÂManchan. Whenever he received news of Maratha aggression he used to rush up to the spot. In Baglana near Kelahi is the strong-hold of Hatgad. News was received that the Marathas had assembled in large numbers there. Daud Khan, by forced marches, reached the place and attached the Marathas. He was accompanied by Bhimsen, Shaikh Muinuddin and Ramsingh, a mansabdar of four hundred, recently appointed in the Deccan. In the meanwhile Mababat Khan was appointed to the Deccan campaign. He met Daud Khan at Chandur in the last week of January 1671. Daud Khan resented having to serve under Mababat Khan. Differences developed between the two. Mababat Khan decided to recapture the fort of Ahivant which Shivaji wrested from 'the Moghals. He was accompanied by the following nobles: Raja Raising Sisodia, Kuvar Kishansing, Sujansing, Shubhakarna Bundela, Anupsing Rathod, Agharkhan, Turuk Tajkhan and others. The MoghaIs firmly entrenched themselves in front of the gates of the fort. However, the siege continued for a month with intermittent firing from both the sides. Subsequently Mababat Khan assaulted the fort gates from his sides with great force when the fort garrison sent messages to Daud Khan expressing their willingness to surrender the fort. Daud Khan agreed and took over the charge of the fort. This further embittered the relation between Mababat Khan and Daud Khan. Ultimately Mababat Khan stationed some garrison and stores (April 1671) in the fort and marched towards Ahmadnagar.
The loss of Salher and consequent rout of the Moghals had already attracted Aurangzeb's attention. In November 1670 he deputed the veteran Mababat Khan to the supreme command of the Deccan. Another competent general Bahadur Khan was ordered from Gujarat as an additional support. Daud Khan and Dilir Khan were already there with Prince Muazzam at Aurangabad in overall command of Deccan affairs. Matters however did not improve much, as the Moghal officers were prone to luxury and had mutual jealousies which prevented co-ordination and concerted action. There was a rumour that the Prince, aware of the insecure politics at Delhi, was planning for his own future security.
For some time, Shivaji and the Moghals were busy in ravaging each other's territory, Bahadur Khan and Dilir Khan carrying an attack on Poona and Supa, and Shivaji playing havoc in Khandesh upon the army of Ikhlas Khan. The result was that Bahadur Khan was forced to divest his strength to the north. Thereafter an obstinate and sanguinary battle took place before Salher in the first week of February 1672, in which the Moghals were completely routed. Ikhlas Khan and some thirty principal Moghal officers were slain. On the Maratha side also, the losses were great. One Surya Rao Kakade, Shivaji's companion in arms since childhood, lost his life. Marathas acquired by way of plunder six thousand horses, as many camels one hundred and twenty-five elephants, all the camp baggage of the Moghals with treasure and jewellery. The phenomenal victory was mainly due to the strategy and valour of Shivaji's Peshva, Moropant. The fight at Salher was an open action by Shivaji's men opposing the best equipped and most ably led Moghal armies, by no means partaking of the nature of guerilla warfare. This disaster to the Moghals led to the disgrace of Mababat Khan who was transferred from the Deccan and died on the way thither. A large number of the Moghal soldiers, wounded and captives fell into Shivaji's hands. The battle of Salher proved to be one of the decisive moments in Shivaji's career. The defiant and challenging spirit of the Marathas was already seen everywhere as may be illustrated by the incident that the fort of Kanhergad near Chandvad, was desperately defended by Ramaji Pangera with an army of only 600, against the surging attacks of the Moghals (April 1671). It was in September 1671, that Aurangzeb appointed Bahadur Khan Kokaltash as commander-in-chief in place of Mababat Khan. Under orders from the emperor, he besieged the fort of Salher and entrusted the operations to Ikhlas Khan Miyana, Amarsing Chandravat and other officers. He himself proceeded to Supa. Bhimsen says that in the meanwhile news was received of the Maratha onslaught on the Moghals near Salher, and Ikhlas Khan Miyana and Muhakamsing wounded and imprisoned by the Marathas. In the keenly-fought battle, Amarsing, the father of Muhakamsing; and his party died fighting and the entire bag and baggage of the Moghals fell into the hands of the Marathas. On receipt of the news Bahadur Khan hastened towards Salher but by the time he could reach Baglana, the Marathas had already descended into the Konkan with all the captured Moghal equipment [Bhimsen Saxena informs about the appointment of the following persons to different parts: Namdar Khan was appointed to the duty of protecting Baglana. Jadhavrav Dakhani and Siddi Balal Khan were appointed as Thanedars at Nasik Gulshanabad and Vani Dindori with strict orders to contain the Marathas in the territories near-about. The Marathas spread in the territory and hence these two officers were severely reprimanded by Bahadur Khan. Unable to tolerate these insults, both of them deserted to Shivaji. The Thanedari of Nasik Gulshanabad was subsequently held. By Indradaman Bundella. Devisingh Bundella was appointed to the command of the fort of Mulher or Aurangagad.].
At this time Ptataprav Gujar exacted the first quarter share, or chauth, from the villages north of Nasik. And soon after this MoroÂpant took the forts of Aundha and Patta. They were re-token by the Moghals in the same year. A force sent by Shivaji was attached by the Moghals, but after some severe fighting the Moghals were defeated, and Aundha and Patta were again recovered by the Marathas [Scott's Deccan. II, 28. Aundha and Patta are close together in the extreme north of the Akola sub-division of Ahmadnagar.].
Five year later (1679) Shivaji crossed the Godavari and plundered Jalna. On his return he was attached by the Moghals. He succeeded in driving back his first assailants, but before he had gone far, he found his way blocked by the Moghal troops advancing under Kesari Singh and Sardar Khan. When these came to a halt six miles from Shivaji, Kesari Singh sent a secret message to him, as brother Hindu, to run away before the Moghals could encircle him, Shivaji now quickly entrusted himself to his chief spy Bahirji under whose skilful guidance, the Maratha army escaped by an obscure path after three days and nights of anxious and ceaseless marching. But they had to sacrifice much of their booty, besides losing 4,000 horsemen killed and Hambirrav wounded. From this expedition Shivaji returned to Pattagad in safety (about 22nd November 1679) [Sarkarâs Shivaji, p.328. Patta is a fort 20 miles south of Nasik and the same distance east of Thal Ghat.].
Shivaji's death (1680) was followed by a revival of the Moghal power.
http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gaze...aevalPeriod.htm<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Following the treaty of Purandar (1665) Shivaji quietly prepared for a struggle with the Moghals. In 1670 he attached the Moghals, and recovered almost all the forts surrendered by him under the treaty of Purandar. He carried the struggle into the Moghal territory of Baglana and captured Ramsej, Ahivant, Patta, Hanumantgad and a number of other forts. In 1670 (October) Shivaji once again sacked Surat. While returning from that city laden with booty, Shivaji was opposed by the Moghals near Vani Dindori on 17th October 1670. The battle of Vani Dindori has been described by Bhimsen Saxena, the author of Torikhe Dilkusha, who was an eye-witness of it. The account given by him is as under: On 3rd October 1670 Shivaji sacked Surat. Muazzam ordered Daud Khan to immediately proceed against Shivaji. He was accompanied by Bhimsen and Mir Abdulmabud. The Moghal army had camped at Vaijapur when the news was brought that Shivaji was returning after the plunder of Surat. Bhimsen informed Daud Khan of this. Daud Khan with his troops immediately moved against Shivaji. In the meanwhile Bhimsen was informed by his messengers that Shivaji had completely sacked the market of Mulher (Aurangagad) and could be intercepted. Neknam Khan also informed likewise. Daud Khan hastened towards the Chandur Ghat from where a road led to the country of Baglana. The messengers of Bhimsen now informed him that Shivaji came to know of the approach of the Moghal army and has therefore marched after leaving the fort of Salher. He intends to crossover the Kanchan-Manchan ghat (about ten miles to the west of Chandur). Neknam Khan the commandant of the fort, of Mulher, also communicated likewise to Daud Khan. Daud Khan upon this marched towards Chandur with a view to intercept Shivaji. He reached Chandur in the evening. Bakikhan, the Faujdar of Chandur had gone to the fort due to the invasion of the Marathas. He came down from the fort and met Daud Khan. Awaiting for further news, Daud Khan halted at that place to rest. At midnight Bhimsen was informed by his messengers that Shivaji had crossed the Kanchan-Manchan ghat and was hastening towards Nasik Gulshanabad. That his contingent was already on the ghats and was waiting for the troops that were following it. By the time this news was received, the night was considerably advanced. Even then without waiting for a moment Daud Khan hastened on the march. He left behind the non-combatants. The night was still and completely dark with the result that Daud Khan's soldiers missed direction. Daud Khan and Mir Abdulmabud lost touch with each other and were forced to halt till day-break. The non-combatants in the meanwhile joined.
Galib Khan, Naraji and Basvantrav were in the rear. I (Bhimsen Saxena) accompanied them. Ikhlas Khan Miyana, the grandson of Bahlol Khan and the son of Abdul Karim, was on the front. He was a commander of five thousand. In the early hours of the morning he reached the top of the ghat. He found the Maratha army in a state of preparedness. Ikhlas Khan also ordered his troops to get battle-ready. He had a few camels loaded with arms and ammunition. The soldiers of Ikhlas Khan started puttillg on the armour. Ikhlas Khan was young and impulsive. Without giving thought to the consequences of his action he attached the enemy with only a few soldiers under his command. The Marathas had a strength of over 15000. Ikhlas Khan started fighting with the Marathas. In the thick of the battle Ikhlas Khan fell on the battle field severely wounded.
By this time Daud Khan arrived at the scene of the battle He realised the precipitate action of Ikhlas Khan and sent the following officers to his succour to the battle front: (1) Rai Makrand Khatri, (2) Shaikh Safi, the brother of Daud Khan, (3) Bhan, the family priest of the Raja of Chanderi and (4) Sangram Khan Ghori. He himself followed these officers. On the way on an elevated ground was a desolate village. A stream flowed by its side. Daud Khan detailed Baqir Khan and Ibrahim Panni with elephants, banner, drums, etc. He informed them that the non-combatants and the rear of the army are on their way and on their arrival they should be instructed to halt at the place.
I (Bhimsen Saxena) reached by the side of Baqar Khan. Sangram Khan Ghori and other nobles were already dispatched ahead. A close battle was fought between them and the Marathas. Sangram Khan Ghori, his sons and other relations were wounded. Many of the Moghal troops were killed. Among them were imperial troops, and also soldiers in the pay of noblemen. Rai Makrand and Bhan Purohit had a good train of artillery under their command and they forced the Marathas to retreat. By that time Daud Khan reached the place. Ikhlas Khan had fallen wounded. He was token care of by Daud Khan who -himself started fighting with the enemy. The Marathas fought in their own way running round the Moghal force and attacking them. A few of them were killed by the Moghal artillery and the rest retired.   Â
The whole route was full of ascents and descents. Mir Abdul Mabud and the other Moghal troops were forced apart. Marathas attached them and in the resulting encounter Mir Abdul Mabud, one of his sons and many of his troops were wounded. One of his sons and a few of his troopers were killed. He was deprived of his horses and arms by the Marathas. Bhimsen says that he was informed of this by a servant of Abdul Mabud and conveyed it to Baqi Khan. Baqi Khan was holding position on an elevated ground. He saw the flag of Abdul Mabud and the shears of Maratha soldiers. By that time the Marathas had already left the field of battle. Baqi Khan sent his own palanquin, with a few others and also some of his men. Bhimsen accompanied them. When they reached the spot they found Abdul Mabud in an unconscious state. The dead and the wounded were then removed from the scene of battle.
At that time Daud Khan commanded not more than a thousand to two thousand troops. By evening the Marathas again launched an attack. The MoghaI officers were seasoned and experienced and fought desperately. Daud Khan dispatched messengers calling Baqi Khan and other officers. The Marathas now had no alternative but to resort to flight.
The MoghaIs with the flush of victory blew trumpets. ArrangeÂments were then made for the burial of the dead and care of the wounded. Daud Khan carried IkhIas Khan and Mir Abdul Mabud to his own tent and mended their wounds. Shaikh Muinuddin, the son of Ihatisham Khan later carried Abdul Mabud to his own tent and started nursing him. Only a few in the camp were provided with tents, the rest being under the open skies. Bhimsen was asked by Daud Khan to inspect the trenches which he did. Bhimsen was later called by Abdul Mabud who handed over to Bhimsen the seal of his office. This battle was fought near Vani Dindori on 17th October 1670. It may be mentioned here that when news was received of the, Maratha descent into Konkan, the Moghal troops remained stationed at Nasik for over a month. As Shivaji was returning from Karanja he was joined by a column under Moropant. The united division besieged the fort of Salher and captured it on 5th January 1671 after a short but desperate defence by Fathulla Khan, its Moghal commander. The details of the capture of Salher fort by the Marathas are graphically given by Bhimsen Saxena. They are as under: After the battle of Vani Dindori, Daud Khan was camping near the fort of Ankai-Tankai. When his son Hamid Khan informed him of the Maratha designs on Burhanpur, he proceeded towards that place. In the meanwhile the Marathas moved towards Baglana and plundered the market of Mulher-Aurangagad. Then they besieged the fort of Salher. Daud Khan speedily reached Mulher where he halted. It was decided to deposit the bag and baggage at Mulher and proceed the succour of Salher in the morning as a few detachments were on their way the Mulher. Daud Khan marched early in the morning while Bhimsen with a few cavalry-men straggled behind. Bhimsen reached a burnt-out village between Salher and Mulher near about which was a small hillock. Bhimsen was in a fix but one of the soldiers saw him and said that he knew the fellow and called Bhimsen by name. Bhimsen got extremely terrified. He could not place the caller. Then the caller gave out his name as Nur Khan. He approached Bhimsen and consoled him and took him safely to the Moghal camp. Bhimsen states that while at Aurangabad, Nur Khan had received considerable help from Bhimsenâs father when he was in extreme difficulty. While DaudKhan was on his way to Sather he received the news that the Marathas had captured the fort of Salher (5th January 1671). He therefore returned to the Moghal base camp at Mulher which Bhimsen says âis situated on the banks of a stream. It has an excellent climate. There is a garden with a fine grape vine." Daud Khan was very well received by Neknam Khan, the commandant of the fort of Mulher. Daud Khan then proceeded to Chandur and halted at Kanchan-ÂManchan. Whenever he received news of Maratha aggression he used to rush up to the spot. In Baglana near Kelahi is the strong-hold of Hatgad. News was received that the Marathas had assembled in large numbers there. Daud Khan, by forced marches, reached the place and attached the Marathas. He was accompanied by Bhimsen, Shaikh Muinuddin and Ramsingh, a mansabdar of four hundred, recently appointed in the Deccan. In the meanwhile Mababat Khan was appointed to the Deccan campaign. He met Daud Khan at Chandur in the last week of January 1671. Daud Khan resented having to serve under Mababat Khan. Differences developed between the two. Mababat Khan decided to recapture the fort of Ahivant which Shivaji wrested from 'the Moghals. He was accompanied by the following nobles: Raja Raising Sisodia, Kuvar Kishansing, Sujansing, Shubhakarna Bundela, Anupsing Rathod, Agharkhan, Turuk Tajkhan and others. The MoghaIs firmly entrenched themselves in front of the gates of the fort. However, the siege continued for a month with intermittent firing from both the sides. Subsequently Mababat Khan assaulted the fort gates from his sides with great force when the fort garrison sent messages to Daud Khan expressing their willingness to surrender the fort. Daud Khan agreed and took over the charge of the fort. This further embittered the relation between Mababat Khan and Daud Khan. Ultimately Mababat Khan stationed some garrison and stores (April 1671) in the fort and marched towards Ahmadnagar.
The loss of Salher and consequent rout of the Moghals had already attracted Aurangzeb's attention. In November 1670 he deputed the veteran Mababat Khan to the supreme command of the Deccan. Another competent general Bahadur Khan was ordered from Gujarat as an additional support. Daud Khan and Dilir Khan were already there with Prince Muazzam at Aurangabad in overall command of Deccan affairs. Matters however did not improve much, as the Moghal officers were prone to luxury and had mutual jealousies which prevented co-ordination and concerted action. There was a rumour that the Prince, aware of the insecure politics at Delhi, was planning for his own future security.
For some time, Shivaji and the Moghals were busy in ravaging each other's territory, Bahadur Khan and Dilir Khan carrying an attack on Poona and Supa, and Shivaji playing havoc in Khandesh upon the army of Ikhlas Khan. The result was that Bahadur Khan was forced to divest his strength to the north. Thereafter an obstinate and sanguinary battle took place before Salher in the first week of February 1672, in which the Moghals were completely routed. Ikhlas Khan and some thirty principal Moghal officers were slain. On the Maratha side also, the losses were great. One Surya Rao Kakade, Shivaji's companion in arms since childhood, lost his life. Marathas acquired by way of plunder six thousand horses, as many camels one hundred and twenty-five elephants, all the camp baggage of the Moghals with treasure and jewellery. The phenomenal victory was mainly due to the strategy and valour of Shivaji's Peshva, Moropant. The fight at Salher was an open action by Shivaji's men opposing the best equipped and most ably led Moghal armies, by no means partaking of the nature of guerilla warfare. This disaster to the Moghals led to the disgrace of Mababat Khan who was transferred from the Deccan and died on the way thither. A large number of the Moghal soldiers, wounded and captives fell into Shivaji's hands. The battle of Salher proved to be one of the decisive moments in Shivaji's career. The defiant and challenging spirit of the Marathas was already seen everywhere as may be illustrated by the incident that the fort of Kanhergad near Chandvad, was desperately defended by Ramaji Pangera with an army of only 600, against the surging attacks of the Moghals (April 1671). It was in September 1671, that Aurangzeb appointed Bahadur Khan Kokaltash as commander-in-chief in place of Mababat Khan. Under orders from the emperor, he besieged the fort of Salher and entrusted the operations to Ikhlas Khan Miyana, Amarsing Chandravat and other officers. He himself proceeded to Supa. Bhimsen says that in the meanwhile news was received of the Maratha onslaught on the Moghals near Salher, and Ikhlas Khan Miyana and Muhakamsing wounded and imprisoned by the Marathas. In the keenly-fought battle, Amarsing, the father of Muhakamsing; and his party died fighting and the entire bag and baggage of the Moghals fell into the hands of the Marathas. On receipt of the news Bahadur Khan hastened towards Salher but by the time he could reach Baglana, the Marathas had already descended into the Konkan with all the captured Moghal equipment [Bhimsen Saxena informs about the appointment of the following persons to different parts: Namdar Khan was appointed to the duty of protecting Baglana. Jadhavrav Dakhani and Siddi Balal Khan were appointed as Thanedars at Nasik Gulshanabad and Vani Dindori with strict orders to contain the Marathas in the territories near-about. The Marathas spread in the territory and hence these two officers were severely reprimanded by Bahadur Khan. Unable to tolerate these insults, both of them deserted to Shivaji. The Thanedari of Nasik Gulshanabad was subsequently held. By Indradaman Bundella. Devisingh Bundella was appointed to the command of the fort of Mulher or Aurangagad.].
At this time Ptataprav Gujar exacted the first quarter share, or chauth, from the villages north of Nasik. And soon after this MoroÂpant took the forts of Aundha and Patta. They were re-token by the Moghals in the same year. A force sent by Shivaji was attached by the Moghals, but after some severe fighting the Moghals were defeated, and Aundha and Patta were again recovered by the Marathas [Scott's Deccan. II, 28. Aundha and Patta are close together in the extreme north of the Akola sub-division of Ahmadnagar.].
Five year later (1679) Shivaji crossed the Godavari and plundered Jalna. On his return he was attached by the Moghals. He succeeded in driving back his first assailants, but before he had gone far, he found his way blocked by the Moghal troops advancing under Kesari Singh and Sardar Khan. When these came to a halt six miles from Shivaji, Kesari Singh sent a secret message to him, as brother Hindu, to run away before the Moghals could encircle him, Shivaji now quickly entrusted himself to his chief spy Bahirji under whose skilful guidance, the Maratha army escaped by an obscure path after three days and nights of anxious and ceaseless marching. But they had to sacrifice much of their booty, besides losing 4,000 horsemen killed and Hambirrav wounded. From this expedition Shivaji returned to Pattagad in safety (about 22nd November 1679) [Sarkarâs Shivaji, p.328. Patta is a fort 20 miles south of Nasik and the same distance east of Thal Ghat.].
Shivaji's death (1680) was followed by a revival of the Moghal power.
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