Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c8.s5.35

v1.c8.s5.35

For five days and nights after, the two armies stood facing each other in their respective positions, merely exchanging fruitless gunfire. At last Mustafa realised that he was powerless to storm the city and camp, and began his retreat on the 21st. Zainuddin could not at first credit the news that such a great threat had passed away so easily; hence, there was no effective pursuit of the enemy. By way of Mithāpur, Naubatpur, and Muhib-Alipur the baffled Afghān general retired south-westwards to the Son river. Soon afterwards Alivardi arrived at Patna and joined in the pursuit. Mustafa was now quickly expelled from Bihar and chased as far as Zamānia (opposite Ghazipur). The rebel took refuge in the village at the foot of Chunār fort, which belonged to the *subah* of Oudh, and Alivardi and Zainuddin returned to their respective capitals in April [Siyar, ii. 137—146.]