Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c8.s5.38

v1.c8.s5.38

On hearing of this development, Zainuddin promptly issued from Patna at the head of 13,000 men, forded the Son river at Koilwar, and next day advanced 12 miles south-west by south to Karhani on the edge of the jungle of Jagadispur. Two miles beyond this village the enemy were sighted and the battle joined (June 20, 1745). Mustafa’s forces and equipment had been greatly depleted by his lack of money, as his Patna adventure had ended in failure and he had exhausted all his treasure. But he charged desperately. Nothing could stop him; the Nawāb’s vanguard was put to flight; but just then Mustafa was shot dead by a musket-ball. A servant of the Nawāb mounted the rebel’s elephant, cut off his head, and exposed it on the point of a spear. At the sight of it the Afghān army broke and fled to the village of Magror under the leadership of Mustafa’s son, Murtaza, and other surviving officers. Thus one great danger passed away from the Nawāb and he was free to deal effectively with another which had assailed him at the same time. This was the fourth incursion of the Bargis.* [Siyar, ii. 146—148.]