Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c14.s2.10

v1.c14.s2.10

Naval Rai promptly advanced from Qanauj to meet the oncoming enemy and crush the rising before it could grow to full strength. He halted at Khudāganj, just north of the Kālī Nadi and 16 miles south of Farrukhabad, the Afghān camp being some two miles north of him. Naval Rai, a Sāksena Kāyastha, had risen by his ability in civil administration and management of men from a humble rank to the deputy governorship of Oudh and a position at the right hand of the wazir. He was fitted by his character and experience to be a revenue collector rather than the military governor of a district. Though not wanting in personal courage, he had no genius for soldiering nor training in the handling of armies. At Khudā- ganj he received a letter from Safdar Jang telling him to avoid an engagement pending the arrival of reinforcements then on the way from Delhi. So he took due precautions, posted guards round his camp and his artillery in front, facing the enemy position, and warned his men to remain within their lines and not to fight unless attacked.