New History of the Marathas v2.c29.28

v2.c29.28

5. Face to face at Panipat.—On 28th October 1760 Abdali started north in search of the Marathas along the right bank of the Jamuna, and after a journey of 7 miles reached Sonpat. Bhau Saheb received this news of Abdali's crossing over on the 28th while he was proceeding northward having left Kunjpura on October 25 with a view to replenishing his supplies and crossing the Jamuna on to the other side to get into contact with Abdali. He also meant to gain the friendship of the Sikhs if possible. But rejoicing that Abdali had himself come over and was now within his easy reach, Bhau Saheb immediately retraced his steps and arrived at Panipat within five miles of Abdali's advance troops. The two forces sighted each other towards the end of October, when the advance parties of the two combatants had slight skirmishes. Bhau's original plan was to encounter Abdali before he had time to organize his troops in battle array and even during the act of crossing if possible. But by the time he arrived at Panipat, he found the Shah well prepared for a combat, and realized that the determined stand of the Afghans and their perfect order were not to be trifled with. Bhau Saheb could not easily rout them and find his way back to Delhi, unmolested.