The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.s1.19.3

v4.c21.s1.19.3

Sūraj Mal, though prepared to defend his own possessions, was loth to detain the imperial officer, and he offered Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang easy terms and undertook to fulfil his obligations to Bakht Singh and to send tribute from Rājputāna. Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang continued his march to Nārnaul, where Bakht Singh resided, accompanied by his Jāt ally. Bakht Singh did not conceal his contempt for an ally of the Jāts and would not permit them to join in the settlement of disputes between Rājputs; and ordered Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang to proceed to Ajmer. Sūraj Mal returned home in disgust and the submissive Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang was joined by Bakht Singh at Ajmer and they marched towards Jodhpur. The combined troops of Rām Singh and Khande Rāo, son of Malhār Rāo Holkar, met them at Pīpār.¹ Bakht Singh warned Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang to beware of the Jodhpur artillery concealed in the centre of the army, but the latter disregarded the warning. Fire was reserved until his army, in close formation, was almost on the guns and was then delivered with terrible effect, causing the whole mass to recoil. The battle was not decided and Bakht Singh’s troops were fresh, but Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang had had enough of fighting and announced his intention of coming to terms. Bakht Singh vainly urged the importance of establishing the imperial authority in Jodhpur, but Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang persisted in his resolve.