A History of the Mahrattas v2.c41.28

v2.c41.28

The Mahratta army which advanced from Agra was under three principal officers, Rannay Khan, Ali Buhadur, and Appa Khunde Rao, accompanied by the two battalions of De Boigne. Rannay Khan, who was chief in command, on taking possession of Delhi, did everything which humanity dictated for the relief of the unfortunate Emperor. The arrival of the Mahrattas in the Moghul capital was, on this occasion, hailed with the greatest joy. A large body immediately pursued Gholam Kawdir, and forced him to take shelter in the fort of Meerut, where he defended himself vigorously; but the place being destitute of provisions, and his capture, if he continued, inevitable, he mounted a swift horse and fled alone. But after he had proceeded some distance, the horse fell, and his rider being completely stunned lay senseless on the ground. In this situation he was at daylight discovered and recognized by some of the peasantry, and by them carried to the Mahratta camp, where he was closely guarded, and shortly after, by Sindia’s orders, he suffered a dreadful mutilation which he did not survive.² The prince Bedar Bukht was retaken at Meerut; and at first, without any harshness, was remanded into confinement, but he was afterwards put to death by order of Shah Alum.¹