1879.] W. Irvine—Zhe Bangash Nawabs of Farrukhabéd. 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 Risdldars, 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, Mahmud Khan, reached the river on 
the opposite or left bank, and Shddil 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 Mulhdr Rado 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 
Téntia with ten thousand active horsemen towards Farrukhabad. 
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! Mulhd4r Rao and Apa Sendhia sent 
“us to engage and surround this force ; but this Nawab is so brave and 
“of such peerless 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. 
on : 
