Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c40.s9.15

v3.c40.s9.15

The mourning over, in the night of the 19th Mahadji received a written challenge from the Jaipur Rajah worded thus: "You are Regent of the Empire and a veteran in war. Come out of the shelter of your guns into the open field, if you dare, and fight a pitched battle with the Rajputs. We shall see to whom God gives the victory." [*Akhbarat. PRC.* i. p. 207.] Sindhia called his generals together and told them, "If, after this, I make terms with the Jaipur Rajah without fighting one battle, I shall not be able to show my face in Hindustan. A man cannot live for ever. Let what will happen, happen." They objected saying that their soldiers would not fight unless their arrears were paid; that up to now they had fed their retainers by selling their own private property and equipment. He offered Rs. 20,000, which was refused as too little.*