The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.287

v4.c20.287

‘Alī Vardī Khān vainly sought aid from the emperor and from the Peshwā, whose succession Raghūjī Bhonsle had attempted to prevent. Collecting boats and troops from parts of Bengal to the east of the Bhāgīrathī still in his possession he moved rapidly down the river and on a night in October, before the rivers had fallen, secretly threw a bridge of boats across the river to the camp of the Marāthās, whom impunity had rendered careless. The lashings of several boats in the bridge gave way and 1500 men were precipitated into the swollen river, but the damage was repaired and the rest of the army crossed. The Marāthās fled in confusion, and 'Alī Vardī Khān's unrelenting pursuit allowed them no opportunity of recovery. They were driven into Bihār but returned to the Midnapore district and after sustaining defeat at Jaleswar fled through western Orissa to Nāgpur.