Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c40.s9.18

v3.c40.s9.18

Thereafter life in the Maratha camp became unbearable owing to the total stoppage of grain supply and the threatened mutiny of all sections of the army in exasperation at Mahadji's failure to pay their dues. Their starved horses were unable to carry any rider. His captains assembled in a council of war, cried out with one voice, "Better to fight and die than to perish from famine." Mahadji agreed to stake his all on one field fight and ordered five lakhs of Rupees to be paid to his soldiers ((25th July) in order to hearten them for the coming battle. A second challenge was received from the Jaipur Rajah on the 26th, "If you wish to seize my kingdom and will not accept tribute, why are you delaying to fight? Come on tomorrow; I on my part, will be ready." The entire Maratha army was informed that their master had taken up the enemy's gauntlet. [*Ibr.* iii. 21.]