Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.7.3

2.7.3

It was summer, and the heat was intense; the river therefore became fordable. Kasem-Kan and the Raja prepared for battle on perceiving, as they apprehended, a disposition on the part of Aureng-Zebe to force the river. But in point of fact, the whole of his army was not yet come up, and this was only a feint; for he feared that the enemy's troops might themselves cross the stream, cut him off from the water, attack him before the soldiers had recovered from their fatigue, and thus prevent him from taking up an advantageous position. It appears certain, indeed, that he was at this time totally incapable of opposing any effectual resistance, and that Kasem-Kan and the Raja might have obtained an easy victory. I was not present at this first encounter; but such was the opinion entertained by every spectator, especially by the French officers in Aureng-Zebe's artillery. The two commanders, however, were compelled by their secret orders quietly to take a position on the banks of the river, and to content themselves with disputing the passage. His army having rested two or three days, Aureng-Zebe made the necessary dispositions for forcing the passage. Placing his artillery in a commanding position, he ordered the troops to move forward under cover of its fire. His progress was opposed by the cannon of the enemy, and the combat was at first maintained with great obstinacy. Jessomseingue displayed extraordinary valour, disputing every inch of ground with skill and pertinacity.