Page:Shivaji and His Times.djvu/245

1673] To guard against a repetition of these two Maratha penetrations into Khandesh from Balaghat,. Bahadur Khan set up gates across the tops of the chief passes* and posted troops with artillery at each of them. Bajaji Nayak Nimbalkar, a great Deccani zamindar" and father of Shiva's son-in-law Mahadji, with his family, was now won over by the Mughals. (Dil 122-'5.)

Maratha activity, thus shut out of Khandesh and Berar, burst forth in another quarter (Jan. 1673.) They next raided the Puna district. Bahadur Khan left his baggage at Chamargunda, hastened to meet the invaders, and defeated them after a severe battle. Then he encamped at Pedgaon, on the north bank of the Bhima, eight miles due south of Chamargunda. This place became the residence of his army for many years afterwards, and here a fort and town grew up from their cantonment, which the Emperor permitted him to name Bahadur-garh. (Dil. 126.)

Pedgaon occupies a position of great strategic importance. It stands on the plain just clear of the

terms: "Bahadur Khan had defeated Shiva after a forced march of 120 miles, made large captures of spoils and sent them with Dalpat to the Emperor, who viewed them on 22 Oct."