History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v2.c22.17

v2.c22.17

Then, again, as Dara’s army stood to arms in battle formation hour after hour throughout that May afternoon, the fierce sun overhead, the sandy plain under foot, and the scorching wind around, dealt havoc among his steel-clad troops and horses. “Many perished from the heat, thirst, and lack of drinking water.” While the prudent Aurangzib rested his men all the evening and night for the morrow’s contest, Dara’s soldiers were worn out and his horses and elephants were prostrated by the extreme heat. As one of his men narrated his experience, “With all our armour on, we were dried up even as we stood. Our feet could not move. The field seemed a blazing hell to us.” At sunset Dara retreated to his camp,—a movement prophetic of his defeat in battle. His soldiers lost heart, because his genius had quailed before that of his rival in the sight of both the hosts.∗