A History of the Mahrattas v1.c29.32

v1.c29.32

As the Moghul army pursued their route towards Aurungabad, Rugonath Rao followed them some marches in the rear. On arriving at the Godavery, Nizam Ally with a part of his force crossed over; leaving the Dewan with the remainder at Rakisbone, on the south bank of the river, until the whole of the stores and baggage had been sent over. At this juncture, Janojee, on pretence of not receiving money to pay his troops, quitted the Dewan and encamped at a distance. This movement was the signal to Rugonath Rao, who made a rapid march, attacked the Moghuls, and after a sanguinary conflict finally routed them with immense slaughter. Raja Pertabwunt, the Dewan, was among the slain.¹ The resistance was very determined on the part of the Moghuls, and continued for nearly two days. Rugonath Rao was amongst the foremost in every attack, and at one time, almost alone, was completely surrounded and cut off from his troops, but his own determined bravery and that of his friend Sukaram Hurry,² who fought by his side, enabled him to defend himself until rescued by his nephew. Throughout the battle³ the young Peishwa particularly distinguished himself, both by personal energy and the judicious support which he sent not only to his uncle, but to different points of the attack. The loss on both sides was very great, and on that of the Moghuls is said to have amounted to ten thousand men.⁴