Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c44.s3.15

v4.c44.s3.15

The last effort of Rajput valour was quenched in blood. All over that level plain leading up to the gates of Mertā, the yellow sand was littered with heaps of white-clad men, looking from a distance like shaken bundles of cotton cloth, with inert or writhing horses by their side. This scene was now variegated, as saffron robes, darkened with a warmer and more crimson fluid, mingled with the earlier white masses. Then Sindhia’s entire army advanced. The dispersed Maratha cavalry had by this time taken heart from the example of the campoo and forming up on the two wings and rear of the infantry, joined in the pursuit. There was none left to oppose them. The enemy’s guns and camp were captured by 10 o’clock in the morning, and the walled city of Mertā with all its stored wealth capitulated at 3 P.M., when De Boigne came up with his guns and threatened bombardment. The fort itself surrendered* four days later.