Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c15.s12.1

v1.c15.s12.1

When the ten days of enforced truce expired, the faint-hearted and futile character of the fighting that followed can be best understood from the Court historian's narrative: "In the morning both sides stood to arms, but only light skirmishes took place, the guns continued firing till sunset, when the two armies withdrew to their camps." [59b.] Safdar Jang's cause was now manifestly hopeless. Every day saw some important officers leaving him, among them being his cousin Sher Jang (26 June) and Allah Quli Kh. Kashmiri (27 June.) They reported the utterly broken spirit of the rebel army and said how none was left there who could stand up to a pitched battle and that even Suraj Mal was hankering at heart to submit to the Emperor if he was granted a written pardon and the confirmation of his estates. Negotiations were immediately opened by Suraj Mal with the new wazir. Safdar Jang fell further and further back; the Marathas looted the rear of his huge camp and his straggling baggage and transport animals. On 1st July there was an artillery duel with many losses but no gain to either side. "Every day Safdar Jang appeared, morning noon or evening, skirmished a little, and then went back. The war was prolonged." [TAh. 60a-61b.]