New History of the Marathas v2.c29.26

v2.c29.26

The loss of Kunjpura was deeply felt by the Shah Abdali and excited in his heart bitter animosity towards the Marathas, thus rousing supreme anger and hatred in the Pathan breasts, and hereafter changing the essential character of the struggle, by adding an element of ferocity to what was a mere trial of strength before. The bitterness thus started continued long after Panipat and is even now disclosed in the partisan writings. Abdali at once addressed his soldiers in animated tones, saying, “My men, how do you endure this open affront given us by the Kafir Marathas? Don’t you feel impelled to inflict upon them adequate retribution? You must now be ready to sacrifice all, even your lives, in the grave trial that is awaiting us.”