New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s2.38

v3.c37.s2.38

On 27th August Mahadji went into tents for a fresh campaign to finish the Rajput opposition and celebrated the usual birthday ceremony of Shrikrishna (2nd September) having already despatched Ladoji Deshmukh against Bijaysinh. Gopalrao Chitnis, Jivba Dada, Kashirao Holkar (son of Tukoji) advanced into Jodhpur territory, determined to smash all opposition and reduced Sambhar, Rupnagar and other posts. Bijaysinh on his part took his stand on the plain of Merta and pressed into service all the male members of his whole population between the years of 14 and 60, for a final deadly effort against Maratha hegemony. While the Rajputs were yet waiting for the arrival of Ismail Beg's contingents to join them, De Boigne on the morning of 10th September opened his artillery on the Rajput horse. Four thousand Rathods answered De Boigne's charge in a frenzy and were completely mowed down. The whole enemy camp fell into Maratha hands with all their belongings. Bhimrao Singhvi, the Commander-in-chief of Bijaysinh ran to Nagor and swallowed poison. The battle-field of Merta was covered with the dead and wounded of the Rathod chivalry. Those who were alive were carefully picked up and properly treated by the Marathas. Writes Sir Jadunath, “This was the hardest fight in De Boigne’s career and showed his military genius at its best. It will also be remembered for all time as a classic example of the utter futility of mere courage against discipline, and of the sword against bullets. Merta proved the superiority of the European system of warfare over the old Indian beyond the possibility of doubt.”⁹