299 
j 
1878.] W. Irvine —The Bangctsh JVawabs of Farrulchdlad. 
On the 25th Sha’ban (15th March, 1729), Muhammad Khan made a 
sortie and all day the enemy hid themselves in the hills. Near sunset they 
suddenly rushed out, but were driven back with a loss of five men and four 
horses. After the first watch of the night, when it was very dark, the con¬ 
test began again on the right wing and “ the fire was like the fall of leaves 
from trees.” Four of the enemy were killed and some horses and camels 
captured. It was now reported that Baji Rao had sent for his brother? 
who was then on a plundering expedition towards Kotah and Bundi. 
Gradually the Mahrattas succeeded in closing round the camp, and 
placed outposts to the rear where they kept up the most vigilant outlook. 
In all directions the roads were closed, prices rose very high, mahrwah or 
mandwa , a small inferior grain, cost twenty rupees the seer, and other grain 
could not be procured. All, great and small, endured the greatest priva¬ 
tions for two months (15th March to 15th May, 1729,) sustaining life on 
the flesh of camels, horses, and cows. Nor were they left in peace by 
night or day ; they were in action often five and six times a day. Each 
day the enemy “ like the multitude of the stars before the rising sun, fled 
“ into the rocks and hollows of the hills.” But Muhammad Khan had not 
men enough to leave part to guard his tents, and with the rest to advance 
and set up batteries against the enemy’s place of refuge, nor to pursue 
them when they retreated. 
The Mahrattas, hearing that Kaim Khan, theNawab’s son, had reached 
Supa, # six has the other side of Jaitpur, with supplies and re-inforcements, 
moved off to oppose him. Muhammad Khan’s soldiers, distressed by the 
high prices and want of pay, seized the opportunity and suddenly set off 
on the road to Jaitpur. With the Nawab there were not left more than 
one thousand horsemen. The Bundelas soon hearing of the retreat of the 
soldiers issued from the hills of Ajhnar. Muhammad Khan mounted and 
rode out to meet them leaving not a single man behind in camp. From 
evening till one hour and a half after sunset fighting went on with spears, 
swords, arrows and muskets, but at last the enemy returned to the hills of 
Ajhnar. Muhammad Khan maintained his position for three hours longer, 
while his chief men went off to Jaitpur to collect the fugitives. 
Before the arrival of the leaders at Jaitpur, the men had continued 
their flight and were already scattered in all directions. His companions 
now counselled Muhammad Khan to commence a retreat. Up to this point 
he had stood fast, resolved to maintain his name and fame as a soldier, but 
now that honour was satisfied, he was persuaded to move, in the hope of 
recalling the fugitive troops. Muhammad Khan had “ tried to seek escape 
“ by death, but since, of the life lent to him, some part was yet unspent, he 
* About 8 miles K» W, of Mahoba, and 14 miles N. E. of Jaitpur. 
Q Q 
