Chapter 11: The Invasion of the Durrani Empire
Raghunath, the emperor of Maratha and India, was not satisfied with his victory over Ahmad Shah Afdali, the ruler of the Durrani Empire, at Panipat. He wanted to pursue Afdali, and to destroy his empire, which stretched from Persia to India. He wanted to avenge the invasions and atrocities of the Afghans, who had plundered and ravaged India for decades. He also wanted to expand his empire, and to establish his authority over the whole of Asia.
He decided to invade the Durrani Empire, and to chase Afdali to his capital, Kandahar. He marched with his army of 100,000 men, along with his artillery, elephants, and treasures. He also brought the Koh-i-Noor diamond which he had took from Timur shah which got it from Nader Shah which he looted from India.
He crossed the Indus river, and entered the Durrani territory. He faced little resistance, as most of the Afghan tribes and rulers had either fled or surrendered to him. He captured the cities of Peshawar, Kabul, Ghazni, and Herat, and looted and burned them. He also freed and recruited the Hindus and Sikhs, who had been oppressed and enslaved by the Afghans.
He reached Kandahar, where Afdali had taken refuge with his remaining forces. He laid siege to the city, and bombarded it with his cannons. He also cut off the water and food supplies, and starved the defenders. He also sent his spies and agents to spread propaganda and dissension among the enemy ranks, and to bribe and defect some of the Afghan chiefs and generals.
Afdali tried to defend his city, but he was hopeless and desperate. He had lost his son, his treasure, his army, and his empire. He had no allies, no resources, no hope. He had no choice but to surrender, or to die.
He chose to surrender, and to beg for mercy. He sent a message to Raghunath, and offered to give up his throne, his crown, and his dignity. He also offered to pay a huge tribute, and to provide troops and supplies whenever Raghunath needed them. He also offered to convert to Hinduism, and to adopt the Maratha customs and culture. He also offered to acknowledge Raghunath as his lord and master, and to swear loyalty and obedience to him.
Raghunath accepted Afdali's surrender, and granted him his mercy. He entered the city, and met Afdali in his palace. He took his throne, his crown, and his dignity. He also took his tribute, his troops, and his supplies. He also made him convert to Hinduism, and adopt the Maratha customs and culture. He also made him acknowledge him as his lord and master, and swear loyalty and obedience to him.
Raghunath had invaded the Durrani Empire, and had chased Afdali to his capital. He had destroyed his empire, and had humiliated him. He had avenged the invasions and atrocities of the Afghans, and had secured his empire and his honor. He had also expanded his empire, and had established his authority over the whole of Asia.