A History of the Mahrattas v2.c49.66

v2.c49.66

In the meantime, six of Sindia’s battalions, which were without European officers and opposed to those of Holkar under Vickers, had given way. The remaining four, however, being of the old battalions of De Boigne, though with only four European officers to head them, behaved with great intrepidity. They stood their ground with remarkable firmness and discipline; but Holkar, having driven off the cavalry, charged the infantry, cut down the artillerymen at their guns, killed three of the European officers of the battalions, and took the fourth prisoner: still these battalions fought on, till they were completely overpowered by the persevering and desperate efforts of Holkar, who headed his cavalry in charge after charge and at length bore all before him. A complete victory was the reward of the uncommon energy displayed by Jeswunt Rao on this memorable occasion. The whole of Sindia’s guns, baggage, and stores, fell into his hands, and the army of his rival was driven off the field.¹ Holkar’s troops were ordered to fall back and not to enter the town, but many of them showing no inclination to obey, he compelled them to desist by turning his own guns upon them.