Chapter 10: The Defeat of Afdali
Raghunath, the emperor of Maratha and India, faced Ahmad Shah Afdali, the ruler of the Durrani Empire, in a decisive battle at Panipat. He had marched towards Punjab with his army of 150,000 men, along with his artillery, elephants, and treasures.
Afdali had also gathered his army of 100,000 men, consisting of Afghans, Persians, Balochs, Rohillas, and Mughals. He had also received the support of some of the Rajput and Sikh chiefs, who had rebelled against Raghunath's rule. He had also tried to persuade some of the Maratha chiefs, who were loyal to the Peshwa, to join his cause.
The two armies met on the plains of Panipat, on the 14th of January, 1761. The battle began at dawn, and lasted for several hours. Raghunath used his superior traps, tricks, and tactics to overcome Afdali's larger and better-equipped army. He deployed his artillery and musketry to create a barrage of fire, and his cavalry to charge and flank the enemy lines. He also used his elephants to create panic and confusion among the enemy ranks. He also used his spies and agents to spread false information and rumors among the enemy camp, and to sabotage their supplies and ammunition.
Afdali tried to counter Raghunath's strategy, but he was unable to break through his defenses. He used his heavy cavalry, musketry, and mounted artillery to counterattack, but he was met with fierce resistance and heavy casualties. He also used his allies and supporters to attack Raghunath's flanks and rear, but they were repulsed and routed by Raghunath's loyal and brave generals. He also used his personal courage and charisma to rally his troops, but he was unable to inspire them to fight with the same zeal and determination as Raghunath's men.
The battle turned in Raghunath's favor, as he managed to capture Afdali's son, Timur Shah, and his treasure, which included the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond. He also managed to kill or wound many of Afdali's officers and generals, and to break the morale and cohesion of his army. He also managed to inflict heavy losses on Afdali's army, and to reduce their numbers by half.
Afdali realized that he had lost the battle, and that he had no chance of victory. He decided to retreat, and to save himself and his remaining men. He ordered his men to abandon their positions, and to flee towards the Indus river. He also ordered his allies and supporters to follow him, and to abandon their lands and possessions.
Raghunath pursued Afdali, and tried to finish him off. He ordered his men to chase and harass the fleeing enemy, and to capture and kill as many as possible. He also ordered his men to loot and plunder the enemy camp, and to seize their weapons and equipment. He also ordered his men to free and rescue the prisoners and slaves, who had been taken by Afdali from India.
Raghunath had won the battle, and had defeated Afdali. He had avenged the atrocities of the Afghans, who had invaded and ravaged India for decades. He had also secured his empire and his honor, and had proved himself as the supreme ruler of India. He had also created a new era of peace and prosperity for India, under his benevolent rule.