A History of the Mahrattas v1.c21.24

v1.c21.24

The preparations of Nizam Ool Moolk hastened the march of Bajee Rao; and as his army, though so inferior in numerical strength, was composed of the old Pagah horse and some of the best of the Mahratta Mankurees, he moved rapidly towards Guzerat, but he commenced negotiating from the day of his quitting Poona and continued it until the hour of attack. His advanced troops, however, under Awjee Kowray, having fallen in with a party of the enemy under Dummajee, one of the sons of Peelajee Gaekwar, soon after crossing the Nerbuddah, they were attacked and completely defeated. Bajee Rao, not discouraged by this unfortunate commencement, determined, when about to engage his countrymen, contrary to his usual plan, to close with them immediately. The new levies did not await the shock, but fled on the first charge; Kantajee Kuddum went off with the fugitives, leaving the old troops of Khundee Rao Dhabaray to defend his son. Trimbuck Rao was mounted on an elephant, and seeing the flight of his troops, chained the animal's legs. Bajee Rao was on horseback, and exerted himself with all the energy so great an occasion demanded; but the field was still disputed with obstinacy, and the issue doubtful when Trimbuck Rao, in the act of drawing his bow, was shot by a random ball from a matchlock; his death left complete victory to Bajee Rao with all but nominal control of the Mahratta sovereignty.