Muntakhab al-lubab 177.7

177.7

Reports of all kinds, false and true, spread abroad. One was that Saiyid 'Abdu-llah had been killed. Other alarming rumours flew about. I'tikad Khan and some other nobles, reckless as to the consequences, were about to take horse and proceed to oppose Amiru-l umara, when the news came of the approach of his cavalcade, and of the banners of I'timadu-d daula Muhammad Amin Khan and Chin Kalich Khan being in sight; for the latter, in his crafty politic way, had left his house to join Amiru-l umara. There was no conflict or struggle with the Mahrattas; for, before things had come to that pass, fourteen or fifteen horsemen, in the service of Khan-dauran, who were called "Blanket-wearers," shot a few arrows against the Mahrattas, when the whole of their force was seized with panic and took to flight. * * The idlers and vagabonds of the bazar and the unemployed Mughals, hearing of this flight, drew their swords and fell to killing and plundering. * * A thousand to fifteen hundred Mahrattas, horse and foot, were killed, including Santa, a chief of note, and two or three other leaders. * * I'tikad Khan, with some of his companions, went into the chauk of Sa'du-llah near his own house, made some attacks, and threw up barricades. But his movement was ill-timed, and, being alarmed at what he had done, he went and surrendered himself prisoner.