Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c15.s2.24

v1.c15.s2.24

The war dragged on in this manner for a month and a half.* Then came a catastrophe. The Lahor army's long confinement within its trenches made the place foul and unhealthy, denuded the neighbourhood of grass and trees, and exhausted the wells. At last it was decided to shift the camp some ten miles to a better position with a plentiful supply of good water, grass and fuel. Next morning (5th March 1752), the march began at dawn. Adina Beg led the van, Diwan Kuramal the rear, and Muin himself the centre where all the baggage was placed loaded on carts and transport beasts. But the news of the movement had leaked out, and as soon as this huge multitude of soldiers, camp followers and animals began its slow and ponderous march, it was assailed by the mobile Afghan horse in front and rear. The mounds of old brick vacated by Muin's artillery were immediately occupied by the enemy, who began to command the moving columns with their light swivel-guns, while their swift horsemen hovered around. "The order of the Lahor army fell into confusion."