Chapter 13: The Plan to Regain the Empire
Raghunath, the emperor of Maratha and India, was furious and frustrated by the rebellion of the Muslims and the Nizams, who had attacked his empire and his army. He had lost many of his forts, garrisons, and cities, and had suffered many casualties and losses. He had also lost his prestige and authority, and had faced the challenge and defiance of his enemies and rivals.
He was determined to regain his empire and his honor, and to crush the rebels and their allies. He devised a plan to counterattack and to restore his rule. He divided his army into three parts, and assigned them different tasks and targets.
The first part, led by his trusted general, Malhar Rao Holkar, was to march towards Delhi, and to recapture the city and the surrounding regions. He was to face the Mughal emperor, Ram Singh, who had betrayed him and had joined the rebellion. He was also to face the British East India Company, who had supported the rebellion and had tried to undermine his power.
The second part, led by his loyal ally, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, the leader of the Sikhs, was to march towards Punjab, and to recapture the region and the Indus river. He was to face Ahmad Shah Afdali and his son, Timur Shah, who had escaped from his prison and had rallied their remaining forces. He was also to face the Ottoman Empire and the Safavid Empire, who had supported Afdali and had tried to invade his empire.
The third part, led by himself, was to march towards the Deccan, and to recapture the region and the Narmada river. He was to face the Nizams, who had rebelled against him and had declared their independence. He was also to face the Maratha chiefs, who had been loyal to the Peshwa, and had tried to overthrow him.
Raghunath was confident of his plan, and hoped to achieve his goals and objectives. He believed that he had the advantage of surprise, speed, and strategy. He also believed that he had the support of the people, who had benefited from his rule and who had suffered from the rebellion. He also believed that he had the blessings of the gods, who had favored him and his cause.
He set out from Pune, and headed towards the Deccan, with his army of 50,000 men, along with his artillery, elephants, and treasures. That is his priced cannons and artillery that he developed with massive investment.
He was ready to face the rebellion, and to regain his empire and his honor. He was ready to prove himself as the supreme ruler of India, and the protector of the Hindu faith and culture.
This was the next chapter of your webnovel, as he planned to regain his empire.