Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c34.s12.4

v3.c34.s12.4

Ever since the Marathas had vacated Rohilkhand in May 1772, the Indian world knew it for certain that they would return there for collecting their dues next winter. Shujā knew that the Kora and Allahabad districts had been formally ceded to them, and he was not willing to disgorge these annexations. Hence, ever since that month he had kept making frantic appeals to his English protectors at Calcutta for the hire of British troops to defend these districts from the Marathas when they would come next. The Governor had assured him of such support. From Faizabad, by way of Lucknow, Shuja reached the bank of the Ganges opposite Cawnpur on 31st January, 1773. An English brigade composed of sepoys as well as white infantry, under Colonel Champion (the future conqueror of Rohilkhand) accompanied him. After the Marathas had arrived at Rāmghāt, the Nawab moved up the river towards them and encamped opposite Farrukhabad (3rd March). Here he was joined by more British troops and their commander-in-chief Sir Robert Barker himself. Marching further north, in response to the terrified calls of the Ruhelas, and covering long stages daily, the Anglo-Oudh force reached Sāhaswān, only 20 miles short of Rāmghāt, on the 19th. On that very day the Marathas at last embarked on war.*