A History of the Mahrattas v1.c28.36

v1.c28.36

The experienced Jath, however, soon perceived that the unwieldy assemblage under the Bhow, clogged with a cumbersome artillery and suiting their movements to those of an attendant body of infantry, were ill adapted to the purpose of the war. He proposed, therefore, that the families and all the heavy equipments should be placed either in Gwalior or Jhansee, or under the protection of some of his own forts, whilst the Mahratta horse and his own could cut off the supplies; and, by constant skirmishing, oblige the Mahomedan princes to withdraw, and compel the Abdallee to retreat. Holkar coincided in this opinion, but Sewdasheo Rao had an aversion to Holkar, the enemy of Ramchundur Shenwee, and from the connection between Holkar and the Jaths he imbibed a prejudice against Sooruj Mull. Common report had spread accounts of wonders performed by Europeans; Sewdasheo Rao himself had witnessed the effects of French discipline and artillery; he had gained great advantages by the employment of Ibrahim Khan, and he haughtily contemned the only advice which might have ensured success.¹ The army proceeded to Delhi, and attempted the citadel at once. A party of the Mahrattas clambered up one of the towers and got inside, whilst the main body was assaulting the gateway and the besieged busy in defending it; but the Mahrattas, who had made good their entrance, without ever thinking of opening the gate to keep possession of the place, began to plunder, for some time without interruption, but being at last discovered, the whole body, as helpless as an unarmed mob, were driven out by about twelve men.² The assault was therefore deferred, batteries were opened, and in a short time the fort capitulated.³ The Bhow, on this success, proposed placing Wiswas Rao on the throne and making Shujah-ud-dowlah his Vizier.⁴