Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s14.16

v2.c27.s14.16

The Shah himself followed (26th) when half the army had crossed over. The river bank on the other side was boggy and had been churned into a sticky mud pool by the passage of thousands; but the numberless *jhau* bushes growing near were cut by the willing hands of the soldiers,—the grand wazir setting the example,—and thrown in to form a dry landing place. Some boats were seized on the western bank and these were employed in ferrying the camp baggage and heavy armament over. Three days were occupied in completing the crossing for the whole army. Owing to the hurry and the crowd, some thousands of men were drowned, but the Maratha grand army was at last caught in a trap.¹