Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c28.s4.10

v2.c28.s4.10

Najib’s unbroken column thus steadily approached the east bank of the Jamuna in order to cut the Sikhs off from it and prevent their escape. The enemy tried to gain time by keeping the Ruhelas engaged till sunset, after which they would be able to cross the river with all their baggage. So, about 3 P. M. they made a combined attack upon Najib’s rearguard, (under Afzal Ruhela and Sadat Khan Afridi) pressing it very hard and causing much loss. But though urged again and again by his sorely stricken troops, Najib would not allow them to arrest the advance of the entire column, sally forth and drive the attacking enemy horse away by a counter-charge. He would not lose sight of his objective, the Sikh camp ahead. Men dropped fast among his rearguard. Sadat Khan said to Afzal Khan, ‘My men are being destroyed by the enemy’s bullets. I have no strength left.’ But such was Najib’s iron discipline and the obedience of his troops, that Afzal Khan forbade a charge for driving the Sikhs away. At last a band of 50 Afridi horsemen under Sadat’s brother, unable to control themselves, galloped upon the Sikh mounted musketeers and a desperate hand to hand fight raged for some time amidst great disorder and noise. Sadat Khan himself was compelled to leave the column for his rash brother’s defence. Najib on hearing of it cried out, ‘He has spoilt my work,’ and himself turned aside to the scene of the fighting in order to save the rearguard, while ordering all other divisions to remain firmly in their appointed places. The Sikhs were now driven back, though after more obstinate fighting. But by this time night had fallen. Najib’s grand plan failed and the Sikhs beat a hurried retreat by fording the Jamuna with all their camp and baggage under cover of the darkness. “Next morning not one of their horsemen was left.” [Nur. 100b-106a.]