Later Mughals v1.c8.s13.16

v1.c8.s13.16

On the 2nd Zul Hijja (30th December, 1712) Jahandar Shah moved to Samugarh, a place close to the Jamuna, to the east of and about eight miles from Agra city. Probably it was chosen as having been the site of Alamgir's victory of the 6th Ramzan 1068 H. (June, 1658), won by him over his brother Dara Shukoh. At first sight, looking to his superiority in numbers and in artillery, no one could have doubted of Jahandar's being victorious. But he was in the power of a mere bazar woman, surrounded by men of low antecedents, and his army under the command of officers, who with the exception of Zulfiqar Khan, were men of no experience or position. The fighting men from beyond the Indus were disgusted with Jahandar Shah's habits and many spoke despairingly of his chance of winning the day. Farrukh-siyar's success was desired even in Jahandar Shah's own ranks. The want of unity among the leaders now began to produce its effects. Zulfiqar Khan was at daggers drawn with Kokaltash Khan (Khan Jahan) and his brother, Muhammad Mah (Azam Khan). Again both of these rival parties were jealous of the Mughal leaders, and fully resolved that they should have as little chance as possible of distinguishing themselves. Indeed, the Mughals were hardly believed in or trusted at all. They were suspected, and as it turned out truly suspected, of intending some treachery. Out of these jarring elements little agreement could be looked for. The first plan, supported by Zulfiqar Khan, was to cross the river at once and occupy the other bank. This idea was given up, from want of concord among the leaders, in spite of their having thrown across a bridge of boats just opposite to their camp. Kokaltash Khan objected to their crossing on the ground that if they fought on the further side, the enemy when defeated would be able to get clear away and renew the struggle. All boats for a distance of eighty or ninety miles were called in, and when Farrukh-siyar