Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c40.s8.1

v3.c40.s8.1

At last, on 23rd June, when the junction of Khande Rao’s force was expected on the morrow, Sindhia assumed the offensive. The strictest precaution and order were enforced by this grey veteran leader. His plan was that his main camp should remain behind, some miles south of Lalsot with the baggage guard; Mahadji himself surrounded by 7,000 men and ten large guns, should proceed with light baggage four or five miles ahead of it; Rana Khan Bhai with the main body of his army should advance three or four miles further from his master, while the vanguard of the army, led by Rayaji Patil and Shivaji Vital (Bapu) should be posted two miles in front of Rana Khan and scout for the enemy’s approach. In every advance that was made, Rana Khan took up Rayaji’s position of the previous evening and Mahadji similarly occupied Rana Khan's deserted camping ground. This rule was methodically followed throughout the ensuing campaign.