History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c40.5

v2.c40.5

Bhāskar Pandit, the general of the Maratha army, entered Chhota Nagpur through Chhattisgarh and fell upon the Medinipur district through Mayurbhanj and Pachet.² ’Alīwardī was totally unprepared for this onslaught and had disbanded a portion of his army after the defeat of Mīrza Bāqir ’Alī at the battle of the Mahānadī. He was obliged to fly towards Bengal leaving the chastisement of Jagadīśvara Bhañja incomplete. The *Sa’ir* indeed states that Jagadīśvara surrendered unconditionally and had thrown himself on the mercy of Muṣṭafa Khān, the Afghan general. He was lured into the audience hall and the arch-traitor of Bengal, Mīr Ja’afar ’Alī Khān, was instructed to assassinate him. As soon as Jagadīśvara Bhañja made his appearance he was hacked to pieces with his entire retinue.³ Nawāb ’Alīwardī Khān Mahābat Jang was a great adept in this style of warfare.