The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.50

v3.c29.50

The allies, having discovered that there was no practicable ford for a great distance, other than that held in force by the Hindus, marched upstream and induced the enemy to follow them, leaving the ford unguarded. After three days’ march they suddenly turned in their tracks, and not only covered, between sunrise and sunset, the whole distance, but sent their advanced guard across the river by the deserted ford. During the night the rest of the army crossed, and advanced towards Sadāshivarāya’s camp. The armies were drawn up for battle on that day, but the Hindus failed to attack, and on the following day, January 5, 1565, the allies again drew up their forces. Their centre was commanded by Husain, their right by ‘Alī, and their left by Ibrāhīm and ‘Alī Barīd Shāh. The Hindu right, 20,000 horse, 200,000 foot, and 500 elephants, was commanded by Tirumala, their centre by Sadāshivarāya in person, with 37,000 horse, 500,000 foot, and 1,000 elephants, and their left by Venkatādri, with 25,000 horse, 200,000 foot, and 500 elephants. The Muhammadan heavy field and light artillery, the arm in which they were strongest, was in the centre, under the command of Chalabī Rūmī Khān, the master of Husain’s ordnance.