Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s19.9

v2.c27.s19.9

The battle began, as usual in that age, with a cannonade. The Maratha guns were larger and, owing to reckless aiming and faulty elevation, their shots fell harmlessly behind the Shah's troops. The Durrāni, like a wise general, reserved his fire at this stage, letting his enemies waste their powder in making an unprofitable noise. His own strength lay, not in big cannon, but in camel-swivels; and these he was resolved to use only at the right moment.