A History of the Mahrattas v1.c18.154

v1.c18.154

Zoolfikar Khan was successful in obtaining possession of Singurh, owing to the want of supplies; but as soon as he retired, it was as speedily retaken by Shunkrajee Narrain from the same cause. The grand army moving towards Ahmednugur was attacked by the Mahrattas on the march, a great part of it was defeated, and had the Mahrattas improved an advantage which they gained, the Emperor of the Moghuls, their inveterate foe Aurungzebe, would have been a prisoner in their hands. It is curious to observe how the Moghul writers undesignedly record their own humiliation on this occasion, by dwelling upon this fortunate escape with abundant self-congratulation. The character of the imperial army was in some degree retrieved by the gallant charge of Khan Alum, a brave officer, whom, under the name of Ikhlass Khan, we have seen so active at the capture of Sumbhajee.