1879.) W. Irvine—The Bangash Nawibs of Farrukhibéd. at 
Defeat of the Wazir. 
After having remained a month encamped at Marahra, the Wazir ad- 
vanced eastwards and entrenched himself near a place called Ram Chatauni, 
seven miles east of Sahawar and five miles west of Patiali.* Suraj Mall 
with his troops was on the Wazir’s right wing nearest the van, and Isma’il 
Beg Khan commanded on Suraj Mall’s left. 
On his side Ahmad Khan had sent urgent requests for assistance to 
the Pathans of Shahjahdnpur, Tilhar,f Bareli, Anwalah{ and Jaunptr, in 
which last place some friends of his were settled. Ahmad Khan then march- 
ed westwards with Rustam Khan Afridi, who at that time had the chief 
direction of his affairs. The Nawdb proposed to Rustam Khan that, as 
both the Wazir and Suraj Mall were coming against them, they should 
divide their forces; and he offered to Rustam Khan the choice of attack. 
Rustam Khan replied that Nawab should fight with Nawdb and simple 
soldier with simple soldier, he therefore chose Suraj Mall as his antagonist. 
Karly in the morning of the 22nd Shawél 1163 H. (18th September, 
1750), the attack began by the advance of the detachment of Ismé’il Khan, 
chela, and of Suraj Mall Jat with fifty thousand men against Rustam Khan 
Afridi. On his left was an eminence, the site of a deserted village.§ Isma’il 
Khan and Suraj Mall occupied the foot of this height, and planted several 
guns on the top of it, the fire of which commanded the camp of Rustam Khan. 
He went off to the Nawd4b and asked for orders to attack. Ahmad Khan 
wished the battle postponed, but Rustam Khan pointed out that delay was 
impossible, and the enemy being in force he must meet them. He got into 
his palki and returned to his men, whom he drew out at once in order of 
battle. 
When the order to advance was given, the Pathans by one rush carried 
the height, sword in hand, and captured the guns. Rustam Khan then dis- 
covered at a little distance a large force drawn out in battle array. He 
directed the attack to be continued. It was Suraj Mall’s contingent under 
his immediate command. Suraj Mall called to his men, “ You must not 
* Ram Chatauni is not marked on any map to which I have access, but I believe 
it lies within Taluka Mohanpur. There is a well there which is believed to have exist- 
ed from the time of the Vedas, and once a year thousands of Hindus assemble there 
to bathe. 
+ About 12 miles N. W. of Shahjahanpir. 
{ Fifteen miles 8. W. of Bareli and in the Bareli district. 
§ The authors of the “‘ Lauh” say that the final struggle with Rustam Khan took 
place at Atranji Khera (see Gaz. N. W. P. IV, III.) But as itis 14 miles off as the 
crow flies from Ram Chatauni, and on the opposite or right bank of the Kali Nadi, I 
think they must be wrong. 
