The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.194

v4.c20.194

The battle, which began on 15 November, was throughout the first day chiefly a duel of artillery. The impetuous valour of the Sayyids of Bārha, who had gathered round their leader, held the imperial troops in check but ‘Abdullah Khān’s artillery was hopelessly outclassed by the imperial guns, which were not only far superior in weight of metal but were admirably served. Many of his raw and undisciplined troops melted away before the fire of the imperial guns, so that of 40,000 horse and 18,000 foot with which he had taken the field in the morning no more than a few thousands remained with him in the evening. There was a bright moon and the slightest movement in his camp drew on it the fire of the artillery, which was not only active during the night but was advanced to within a short distance of his position. By morning only a few of his relations and a thousand veteran troops remained; though they charged the imperial army, valour was of no avail. Nearly all the leaders were slain, wounded, or captured, and Sayyid ‘Abdullah Khān and his wounded brother were taken and ‘Abdullah was led before the emperor. ‘Abdullah and his brother were eventually placed in the custody of Haidar Qulī Khān. Ratan Chand had been beheaded before the emperor’s elephant at the beginning of the battle.