Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c8.s3.33

v1.c8.s3.33

Early in February 1743, the Peshwā entered Bihār from the south with a strong force, which rumour put at half a *lakh* of men. The news of his coming, though in the guise of an ally, caused the greatest consternation throughout the province. And with good reason. His army was irresistible, and "along his route those who gave him blackmail or costly presents saved their life and property, while those who attempted defence were killed and their houses were given up to plunder." (*Siyar*, ii. 129.) Patna city trembled for its life; the one anxiety of the citizens was to save their families from outrage by sending their women elsewhere across the river. "Not a family of note left in the town," as the English factory reported. Happily, the Peshwā did not come to Patna. From Benāres Bālāji hastened to Bengal by way of Saseram, Dāudnagar, Tikāri, Gayā, Mānpur, Bihār and Mungir,—causing great loss and disturbance to the towns on the way. Issuing from the hills and jungles on the plain of Birbhum, he took the road to Murshidābād, while Raghuji occupied the Bardwān district with his camp at Katwā.* Thus, two vast Marātha forces, each under a first grade chief, were assembled close to each other in Bengal and a collision between them seemed imminent. [Siyar, ii. 129-130.]