Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s4.2

v2.c27.s4.2

Malhar and Jankoji, thus freed from encumbrances, undertook to follow the traditional Maratha system of war, by discarding artillery and tents and moving in light kit; so as to be able to rove round the enemy's flanks or make lightning raids on his distant and undefended grain-depots and revenue collection offices, or even, if favoured by the enemy's slowness or ignorance, to ravage the dominions of his Ruhela allies in the upper Doab and trans-Ganges. For such a task Malhar was eminently fitted by his lifelong experience and settled belief. It was also necessary for the Marathas to shape their movements by watching carefully for indications of Abdāli's plan of action, because before the arrival of heavy reinforcements from the Deccan their forces in North India were too small and too demoralized to face the victorious invaders in a pitched battle. Jankoji, by reason of his youth and inexperience, remained safe in the rear, while Malhar took the command of the operating force, and began his advance on 24th January. He avoided a direct march on Delhi, but, passing through Kanaud (where he levied a ransom of Rs. 10,000), he hovered south-west of Delhi, in the broken Mewāt district, watching for opportunities.