Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s29.4

v2.c27.s29.4

In the Persian language no despatch, newsletter or other State-paper has survived. The earliest and best record is the Delhi Chronicle, which gives the most accurate dates and several original facts, though in its usual brief language. The Persian narrative of the battle and the events which led to it, written in 1780 by Kāshirāj Shiv Rāo Pandit, a Deccani Brāhman long in the service of Shujā-ud-daulah, is the fullest and most trustworthy source on the battle itself, about which naturally no Marathi despatch is available. The fact of this author being a Maratha by race and creed and his presence in Abdāli's camp in the train of Shujā throughout the campaign made him naturally see both sides more intimately and get information about both the camps more fully and accurately than was possible for any other person. His employment as a mediator between the two sides gives a peculiar importance to his narrative. He stood by Shujā's side throughout the battle and once carried a message to the hard-pressed Durrāni wazir at the centre.