Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c53.s3.49

v4.c53.s3.49

This gallant but reckless charge, exactly like that of Prince Rupert’s cavalry during the Civil War in England, had a disastrous effect on their side. Pohlmann’s brigade after defeating the van of the Jaipur army, was surprised to see its own left totally uncovered by the destruction of Dudrenec’s wing and its rear exposed by the flight of the cavalry behind it. This was the crisis of the battle: but Pohlmann’s skill and coolness and the discipline of his sepoys saved the day for him. He formed his six battalions into a square, the bristling line of bayonets and file-firing from the four faces of which prevented the enemy’s cavalry from breaking in, though the Kachhwās made onset after onset upon them. The Rajput Centre had now come into the firing line, with their Rajah on a huge ambāri elephant, at the head of 5,000 choice horse.