Chapter 9: The Threat of Afdali
Raghunath, the emperor of Maratha and India, was enjoying his triumph in Delhi, when he received a disturbing news. A messenger from his spy network informed him that Ahmad Shah Abdali, the ruler of the Durrani Empire, had invaded India with a large army of Afghans, Persians, and Balochs. He had crossed the Indus and the Jhelum rivers, and had reached Lahore, where he had defeated the Mughal governor and his forces. He had also captured Multan, and was advancing towards Delhi. He had declared his intention to restore the Mughal authority, and to punish Raghunath for his audacity and sacrilege. He had also allied himself with some of the Rajput and Sikh chiefs, who had rebelled against Raghunath's rule. He had also sent emissaries to the Maratha chiefs, who were still loyal to the Peshwa, the nominal head of the Maratha confederacy, and had tried to persuade them to join his cause.
Raghunath was alarmed by this news, as he knew that Abdali was a formidable enemy. He had heard of his exploits in Persia, Central Asia, and Afghanistan, where he had established a powerful empire. He had also heard of his previous invasions of India, where he had looted and plundered the Mughal territories. He had also heard of his cruelty and fanaticism, as he had massacred and enslaved thousands of Hindus and Sikhs, and had destroyed their temples and shrines. He had also heard of his military prowess and strategy, as he had a well-trained and disciplined army, equipped with modern weapons and artillery. He had also heard of his charisma and diplomacy, as he had managed to win over many allies and supporters among the Indian rulers and nobles.
Raghunath realized that he had to face this new challenge, and that he had to defend his empire and his honor. He decided to leave Delhi, and to march towards Punjab, where he hoped to confront Abdali and his army. He sent his brother Balaji back as Maratha Empire has to safeguard itself from rebels and nizam in south. He left behind a strong garrison in Delhi, under the command of his trusted general, Malhar Rao Holkar. He also left behind his vassal, Raman Singh, the former Mughal emperor, who had converted to Hinduism and had adopted the Maratha customs and culture. He instructed him to maintain law and order in the city, and to keep an eye on the Mughal courtiers and clerics, who might try to revolt or conspire against him. He also instructed him to send him regular reports and updates on the situation in Delhi and the surrounding regions.
Raghunath gathered his army, which consisted of 150,000 men, mostly Marathas, but also some Sikhs, Jats, and Afghans, who had joined him after his conquest of Delhi. He also had a large number of artillery, which he had taken from the Mughals and the Europeans. He also had a large number of elephants, horses, and camels, which he had acquired from his spoils and tributes. He also had a large amount of gold, silver, jewels, and other valuables, which he had looted from the Mughal treasury and the city of Delhi.
Raghunath was confident of his victory, as he believed that he had the blessings of the gods, and that he had the support of the people. He also believed that he had the superior army, and that he had the better tactics and strategy. He also believed that he had the moral and legal right to rule over India, and that he had the duty and responsibility to protect the Hindu faith and culture. He also believed that he had the courage and the skill to defeat Abdali and his army, and that he had the glory and the fame to be the emperor of India.
He set out from Delhi, and headed towards Punjab, where he expected to meet Abdali and his army. He was determined to crush his enemy, and to secure his empire and his honor. He was ready to face the threat of Afdali, and to prove himself as the supreme ruler of India.