Later Mughals v1.c6.s20.8

v1.c6.s20.8

Before a fourth of the day had passed, Munim Khan and his force came upon the Sikh entrenchments, strongly constructed on the tops of the hills. A heavy artillery and musketry fire was commenced, and in time the enemy were dislodged from the top of a small hill. The contending parties then came to closer quarters and many Sikhs lost their lives. About midday Munim Khan's troops made good their approach to the Lohgarh fort, the Guru's home and head-quarters. A severe struggle ensued. By this time the imperial troops (under Rafi-ush-shan) had quitted the open plain and were distant about a quarter of a kos from the walls of Lohgarh. From time to time shots from the walls fell in the Prince's ranks, but luckily none of them did any harm. Zulfiqar Khan halted and at intervals sent messages to the Prince that a slow advance was advisable. Although this advice was in appearance full of prudence, the clearer-sighted were aware that this desire to delay was wholly due to old quarrels and differences of opinion with Munim Khan. The Prince, to please Zulfiqar Khan, gave orders to halt, and alighting, he entered a light field-tent to eat some breakfast.*