History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v2.c22.35

v2.c22.35

By eight o'clock the marshalling of ranks was complete, and Aurangzib's army was set in motion. The few miles' interval was covered in about three hours as the mighty host moved slowly and in good formation towards its adversary standing on the plain of Samugarh. Towards midday, "the steel-ball standards and crescent-marked banners of Aurangzib appeared in the distance." Dara at once took up the offensive. He discharged all his artillery, making a frightful noise, and "covering the air with a think cloud of smoke, like the mantle of dark night," but doing little damage to the enemy at that long range. Aurangzib gave a very short reply, and wisely reserved his powder and shot for closer range.