Riyaz al-salatin 111.2.2

111.2.2

Ali Vardi Khan, on the occurrence of this disaster, mobilised an immense army equipped with a battering artillery, and then set out for Katak, in order to relieve Saulat Jang and re-conquer Orissa. By forced marches, scouring through Bardwan, he encamped on the outskirts of Mednipur. On receiving news of the approach of Mahabat Jang, the Katak army, which was spread at Hijli and Mednipur, concentrated at Mednipur and Jalisar, next crossed over at the ferries of Rajghat and Phulwar, and then encamped at the Port of Balasore. The soldiers of Mirza Baqir, who had previously received arrow-shots at the hands of the Bhaliahs, suddenly lost heart, and sending all their baggages to Sikakul remained unencumbered. When Mirza Baqir came to know of the disloyalty and cowardice of his soldiers, ostensibly he gave out that he contemplated advancing against the enemy, but in reality he planned to withdraw to the Dakhin. Whilst completing his arrangements for withdrawal to the Dakhin, he detached a force to Chaprah ghat, which is the ferry of the river Mahandi and is situate midway the town of Katak. And he himself with Saulat Jang, &c, and a number of other captives together with tents, &c, crossed the river Katjuri. Mahabat Jang was encamped on the banks of the river Kamhariah, at a distance of forty Karoh from Katak, and there at midnight messengers brought him news of Mirza Baqir's flight.