Legendary & romantic tales of Indian historyCaunter, Hobart
History
Legendary & romantic tales of Indian history
Caunter, Hobart
India -- History -- Fiction
The troops under command of Dost Nasir had been thrown into confusion
by the severe charge of the enemy’s horse, a large and well appointed
body. At this moment the horns of the crescent were seen gradually
closing to encompass the Mahomedan army. Their leader, perceiving
that the crisis had arrived, dashed his turban from his brow, and
shaking his thick black locks over his shoulders, called aloud upon
the Prophet, and with the cry of Allah Akbur, charged the centre of
the enemy’s line with irresistible impetuosity. The shock immediately
arrested the advance of the wings. The line wavered, the Rajpoots
could not stand against the impetuosity of the charge--they gave
way--instant confusion followed. At this moment a body of Tartar Chan’s
troops issued from the town, and attacking the foe in their rear,
completed the rout; they fled on all sides, and abandoned their camp to
the victors. The battle had been short but decisive. Immense quantities
of provisions were found in the Hindoo camp, which were removed to
the town and fort amid the acclamations of the inhabitants and of the
garrison.
Tartar Chan immediately sent a messenger to acknowledge the timely
assistance of the Moguls, but said not a word of putting Gualior into
their possession.
The morning after the Hindoo general had raised the siege, the Mogul
chief sent to Tartar Chan to demand a fulfilment of the conditions upon
which he had repaired to the relief of Gualior. For a day or two, he
was amused with frivolous excuses, and then a peremptory refusal was
given to resign the town and fort into his possession.
Meanwhile Sheikh Mahomed, disgusted at the governor’s baseness, sent
a private messenger to the Mogul general to say, that if he would
trust himself singly within the fort, he would engage to find means of
introducing his troops, and of shortly putting the town and fortress
of Gualior into his hands. The Mogul accordingly affected to receive
the refusal of Tartar Chan in a friendly manner, leading him to suppose
that he was prepared to relinquish his claim; but represented to him
that, as the enemy might muster in stronger force and return, it was
desirable he should be allowed to bring his troops under the protection
of the fortress. He further requested as an especial favour, that
he might be permitted to visit the learned Sheikh Mahomed, of whose
reputation he had heard so much, in order that he might tender him the
homage of his admiration. Both these requests were acceded to without
scruple; the governor having no suspicion that mischief could accrue
from admitting a single warrior within the fort, so well guarded by the
vigilance of a brave and active garrison.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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