Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s16.3

v2.c27.s16.3

This inactivity was mistaken by the Marathas as a proof of his terror and timidity, and there was exultation in the Deccani headquarters, which was heightened by the scarcity of provisions in the Afghan camp. The Bhau wrote on 1st November, "Grain sells at 2 to 2 1/2 seers in his camp. I have every confidence of being able to swallow him up soon." Four days later Krishna Joshi wrote from Pānipat, "The Yavan is greatly frightened, and dare not come on. Our troops are every day slaying 50 to 100 of his men and carrying off their camels and horses. His food supplies have been stopped, so that flour sells at three seers, gram at 4 seers, and ghee at 1/2 seer to the Rupee, while in our camp the rates are wheat 16, gram 12, and ghee 2 1/2 seers. All our troops are confident that in four to eight days, Abdali Najib and Shuja would be destroyed. Abdali is called 'the King of kings,' . . . but having come within four miles of us, he has sat down for eight days and dare not make a demonstration of his valour. Hence, our army is in high spirit. Abdali's route to his home is blocked; he cannot fight with hope of success, he cannot sit down idly as he has not the necessary food supply. He is bewildered." [Raj. i. 261, 264, 265.]