So to improve his finances, Shivaji planned to attack Surat, a key Moghal administrative centre and a wealthy port town that generated a million rupees in taxes.

[5][6][7] In the rainy season of 1663, he focused on targeting Surat, Shivaji's spies and agents meticulously observed the northern Mughal territories between Poona and Burhanpur, seeking out the weakest point for a new assault as open war between them had commenced.

With accurate intelligence in hand, Shivaji planned to strike Surat, intending to tarnish the Emperor's reputation by raising a significant disturbance.

Shivaji himself departed from Nasik and led his forces through a circuitous route, uniting all detachments near Gandevi, about 28 miles south of Surat.

Surat's Governor, Inayat Khan, failed to take adequate measures to protect the town, leaving it vulnerable to Shivaji's impending arrival.

Shivaji, through special agents, conveyed his intention to the Governor and local merchants, emphasizing his need for funds due to his conflict with the Emperor.

[5][6][7] Surat was under attack for nearly three days, during this time the Maratha Army looted all the wealth from the traders of the Mughal Gujarat Subah and others such as the Portuguese trading centers.

The business of Mohandas Parekh, the deceased broker of the Dutch East India Company, was spared as he was reputed as a charitable man.

[14] On the first day of the sack, an Englishman of the factory named Anthony Smith was travelling alone from Surwali to Surat, where he was captured by Maratha forces and taken to Shivaji.

[15] The Marathas ransacked houses and chests, accumulating a vast amount of loot, primarily gold, silver, pearls, and diamonds.

Shivaji swiftly departed Surat upon learning of an approaching Mughal force, leaving behind heaps of clothing and household articles for the town's residents.

[17] Shivaji would continue to threaten the town with plunder unless Aurangzeb granted him the chauth, or 40% of the annual revenues, of the Surat district.