Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s26.2

v2.c27.s26.2

The numerous small scattered fragments of the vanquished army came here, worn out with hunger, ceaseless marching, and constant alarms, and went to the villages to beg for food and shelter. Then the justly incensed peasantry turned on them, robbing the stragglers of their arms, apparel and horses, and killing all who hesitated or attempted defence. When larger bands, moving under their generals, like Satvoji Jādav, appeared, they offered fight from within their walls. These generals, with half-dead horses fainting troops and no guns, were not in a position to attack any village, and had much ado to continue their retreat without being beaten and robbed. Even the women plundered solitary Deccanis without resistance. Many thousands of horses were here sacrificed and the broken remnant of that proud army at last reached shelter on foot, most of the men having been robbed of their *shāls* and coats and wearing nothing but a rag wrapped round their loins. [Raj. vi. 409.] The Baluch zamindars of Bahādurgarh and Farrukhnagar were particularly ruthless towards their infidel oppressors and eager to emulate their triumphant Durrāni brethren. They recognized Antāji Mānakeshwar by his horse and dress as a chieftain and slew him for the rich spoils. Many lesser captains met with the same ignominious end.