Muntakhab al-lubab 22.1

22.1

[vol. ii. p. 60.] The armies of Aurangzeb and Shujá' were within half a kos of each other, and both sides prepared for battle. * * The guns of Shujá' were so placed as to have an advantage over those of his opponents; so Mu'azzam Khán, who was a good tactician, removed forty guns during the night to another position. He took no rest, but busied himself in ordering his army and encouraging the men. The Emperor Aurangzeb was engaged in his tent performing his devotions, and praying to God for victory. Suddenly, about the fourth watch, a great tumult arose. Rája Jaswant Singh, the treacherous wretch, who marched with the army, had, through one of his confidants, opened communications with Shujá' in the early part of the night, undertaking to make a sudden assault upon the army just before daybreak, and to desert, doing as much mischief as he could. "When I do this," said he, "the King (Aurangzeb) will come in pursuit of me; you must then charge sharply upon his forces." About two hours of the night remained, when Jaswant Singh, in league with other Rájput leaders, set their numerous followers in motion, and began to move off, destroying and plundering as they went, and cutting down all who opposed them. The forces under Prince Muhammad Sultán suffered especially from their attacks. No tent, small or great, escaped their ravages. All his treasure and effects were plundered.