1879.] W. Irvine — The Bangash Naioabs ofFarrukMlad. 89 



where there was a position favourable for defence with a small fort.* 

 Around it was then a wide, open, plain about a square mile in extent. At 

 the edges of the plain were deep ravines. They thought it best for the 

 army to encamp in that spot. It is nowhere stated why the fort in the 

 city was considered untenable ; perhaps because it could be cut off on the 

 outer side from the surrounding country and its supplies ; while at Fateh- 

 garh the army had the river flowing under its camp, by which boats could 

 have easy access to it, and this danger was averted, so long as the enemy 

 failed to cross the river and occupy the other bank. 



At once, on hearing the suggestions of his chief men, relations and 

 advisers, the Nawab heartily agreed, and mounting his horse proceeded in 

 state, with all his forces, to the place appointed on the bank of the Ganges, 

 and there formed his camp. Next day the division of the army attached 

 to the artillery arrived and brought the guns into camp. Then the Nawab 

 in person went out and taking up his position at the head of the ravines 

 already referred to, directed the posting of the guns, large and small, and 

 caused them to be connected by chains. Making over charge of the guns 

 to his brothers and the Risaldars, he returned to his head quarters on the 

 Ganges bank, and ordered a bridge of boats to be got ready. The day the 

 bridge was finished, the Nawab's son, Mahnaud Khan, reached the river on 

 the opposite or left bank, and Shadil Khan Ghilzai also came up from 

 Kadir Chauk in the opposite direction. The day after their arrival, both of 

 them were honoured with interviews. 



We now return to what had happened meanwhile to the Wazir. When 

 his spies brought him word that Nawab Ahmad Khan had returned from 

 Allahabad, and was preparing for defence, he sent for Mulhar Rao and 

 Apa, and asked them what was their plan of operations. They replied 

 that they were at his orders. The Wazir told them to despatch one of 

 their principal men with a strong force to surround Ahmad Khan, and cut 

 off his supplies of food, water, and forage. Accordingly they detached 

 Tantia with ten thousand active horsemen towards Farrukkabad. 



On reaching the environs of that city forsaken by its ruler, they set 

 many villages and towns in flames. When the Mahratta horse entered the 

 city, and found within it nothing but perplexity, poverty, hunger and thirst, 

 giving up all hope of plunder, they marched on to the place where the 

 Nawab stood prepared for resistance. As their eyes fell on his army 

 they said to one another, " O friends ! Mulhar Rao and Apa Sendhia sent 

 " us to engage and surround this force ; but this Nawab is so brave and 

 " of such peei'less race, that with only a few men he overthrew the Wazir 

 " and his countless host." With such men they considered it was necessary 

 * Now known as Fatehgarh fort. 

 M 



