The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.197

v4.c21.197

Holkar and Dāmāji Gāikwār withdrew when they saw that all was lost. But there does not appear to be sufficient reason for accusing the former of deliberate treachery. According to his own account, the Bhāo Sāhib sent him a message, telling him to "do as he had directed"—perhaps to rescue the women and children in the camp, who had been committed to his charge, and escort them to Delhi. In this he was unsuccessful. Nāro Shankar and part of the Delhi garrison managed to get away. Mahādjī Sindia and Nānā Farnavīs were among the few fugitives who escaped almost miraculously from the field; the former received a wound in the leg from a gigantic Afghān which lamed him for life. About 100,000 Marāthās must have perished: and only one-fourth of the fighting men ever saw the Deccan again. Many fugitives were murdered by the peasants, who were only too eager to turn the tables upon their former oppressors.¹ Those who straggled into Dīg were, however, hospitably entertained by Sūraj Mal, and in this way about four thousand men reached home. Shamsher Bahādur and Antājī Mānkeshwar died of wounds at Dīg.