Day after day a strenuous fight had to be maintained against the tireless and mobile enemy,
while hunger raged in the Imperial ranks. The
soldiers were ever on the move, and food could
be cooked only on the backs of the marching
elephants! Bread sold at one rupee or even two
rupees a piece and water was equally dear.
Happy were those who could get the necessaries
of life even at this price, for there was not
enough for all. Such was the condition of the
Prince's personal following. The lot of the
common soldiers may be imagined. But in the
midst of all this hardship and danger, Aurangzib's
firmness and control prevented any slackness or
disorder; his watchful eye and active body
hastened to the succour of every weak spot, and
his wisdom and courage brought the army back to safety.[1]
Evil as was the plight of the Mughal army, Aurangzib's splendid courage. the enemy were worse off. Aurangzib's grim tenacity had gained its object. Abdul Aziz now desired to make peace. His hope of crushing Aurangzib had failed. He had personally witnessed a striking proof of the Prince's cool courage; for, one day the hour of evening prayer
- ↑ Khafi Khan, i. 668 and 669. Howorth (752) says, "The devastation caused such a famine that an ass's load of corn cost 1000 florins."