New History of the Marathas v2.c30.12

v2.c30.12

As the Marathas moving in a square formation approached the long and well arranged Afghan line facing them, their original plan of mass movement could not be carried out. Failing to force a passage for moving on, Bhau Saheb precipitately reformed his men in a long line similar to that of the enemy so as to fight them out and obtain a passage through, the main object being to effect an escape rather than annihilate his opponents. This tactical and sudden change created a sort of confusion among Maratha ranks, causing extreme annoyance to Ibrahim Khan, as his plan came to be entirely upset.³ The Khan, however, quietly accepted the situation and tried to do the best he could under the circumstances. When Bhau Saheb prolonged his force in a line, he gave his extreme left wing to the care of Ibrahim Khan and his heavy artillery, with Damaji Gaikwad next to him for the Khan’s support. Bhau Saheb himself took his station in the centre with his devoted Huzrat troops, with which he faced the Afghan Wazir. Antaji Mankeshwar, Pilaji Jadhav’s son Satvoji and some minor chiefs were posted towards Bhau Saheb’s right, the extreme end in the line being specially strengthened by the veteran fighters of Yashvantrao Pawar, Jankoji Sinde and Malharrao Holkar. Bhau Saheb could not keep any portion in reserve, as the whole camp was intended to force a passage through the Afghan ranks. With this disposition Bhau Saheb attempted to rush through the enemy’s ranks with his entire army.