Gul-i Rahmat 1.2.1

1.2.1

The intelligence reached Hafiz Rahmat, while he was encamped near Asadpur, that 60,000 Mahrattas had crossed the river, and had attacked Ahmad Khan. He instantly drew out his forces, and was about to march for the relief of Ahmad Khan; but just then the news came that the Khan had gone to see the Mahratta chiefs. Hafiz Rahmat's chiefs and officers now urged upon him that it was inexpedient with his small force to wage war against the Mahratta hosts. * * Muhibbu-llah Khan joined him with two or three thousand men, and Mustakim Khan also arrived with four or five thousand more; some others also came in, so that he now mustered ten or twelve thousand men. In the morning Hafiz Rahmat gave orders for the mustering of his forces to attack the Mahrattas, and all were in readiness, awaiting further orders, when messengers arrived from Shuja'u-d daula, announcing that his army was close at hand. As soon as he heard this, Hafiz Rahmat marched to attack the Mahrattas. At the same time the advanced forces of Shuja'u-d daula, General Chamkin (Champion) and Mahbub 'Ali Khan eunuch, came up at the critical moment, and opened fire with their guns upon the Mahrattas. The forces of the Mahrattas were in two divisions. Mahaji Sindhia opposed Shujau-d daula, and Taku Holkar attacked Hafiz Rahmat. Both bodies of Mahrattas fought well and bravely; but the heavy fire of the English artillery and the flashing swords of the Afghans made them recede, and they took to flight.