Bayan-i waqiʿ 2.2

2.2

A great many of the Bengalis have become skilful and expert from being with them as apprentices. As they excel in other arts and sciences, so also in a military point of view are the Europeans distinguished. This the Mahrattas know well; for although there is so much property and merchandize belonging to commercial and wealthy men of these parts in Firashdanga and Calcutta, and it would only be a journey of two kos from Hughli to Firashdanga, and although the Europeans have no fort, and are so few in number while the Mahrattas are as numerous as ants or locusts, yet, in spite of all this, the Mahrattas see the unanimity and concord that exists among the Europeans, and do not attempt to approach them, much less to attack them. The Europeans fight with guns and muskets; but when the time for using the sword comes, they are at a disadvantage. One great reason of the armies from the south invading Bengal is the fighting of Nawab 'Aliwardi Khan with Nawab Sarfaraz Khan, son of Nawab Shuja'u-d daula. Sarfaraz Khan, after the death of his father, was induced by the temptation held out by his companions to lay violent hands upon and injure Haji Ahmad, brother of this 'Aliwardi Khan, who had been a confidential friend of Nawab Shuja'u-d daula.