New History of the Marathas v2.c29.35

v2.c29.35

All this while Bhau Saheb and the other leaders were constantly urging Naro Shankar at Delhi and Govind Ballal in the Doab to do their utmost to send supplies and cash to Panipat and relieve their misery. But the Durranis were so watchful and alert that they successfully prevented any article or cash reaching the camp at Panipat. Another serious encounter occurred about a fortnight after the one described above, on 7th December, when Najib Khan without permission from the Shah and acting on his own responsibility, made a precipitate attack on a party of the Marathas who were manœuvring their guns in certain positions. The small party was severely handled and pressed back right to the ditch by Najib Khan. But the latter’s presence being noticed, huge Maratha parties came upon him like lightning. More than three thousand Rohillas were mown down by the guns of Ibrahim Khan and the swords of the Huzrat under Balavantrao Mehendale. But a chance shot killed this brave young leader of promise and marred the value of the success the Marathas had attained. That night Balavantrao’s wife became Sati. The death of this hero spread a heavy gloom throughout the camp. The slide down of the Maratha hopes definitely began from this moment.