Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c58.s6.1

v4.c58.s6.1

Wellesley’s rule of war was never to attack the Marāthas when holding a well-chosen and strongly defended position, but to force them on to move and strike them when thrown into disorder by marching. There was a ford over the Khelnā at Lingwāri a mile west of Wellesley’s first point of observation, and hordes of Maratha irregular cavalry were seen to stand on both sides of it, but they took no part in the battle. Nearly three miles further down the river there was an unguarded ford at Pipalgāon-Warud. The British General planned to keep to the south bank of the Khelnā for two miles, then cross the river at this second ford and roll up the enemy’s left wing south of Assaye.