Ahmad Shah Abdali has praised the bravery of Maratha soldiers at the battlefield of Panipat (1761) in a letter written to Raja Madho Singh (the ruler of Jaipur).
After praising the bravery of his own soldiers, Ahmad Shah Abdali writes : "The enemy (Marathas) too distinguished
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themselves and fought so well that it was beyond the capacity of other (races). The blood-shedding fists of the heroes on both sides became equally red with blood. Gradually the fighting passed from the exchange of cannon, swivel, and rocket fire to the discharge of muskets. Then
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it proceeded beyond musketry-fire to the stage of combat with swords and arrows. From the use of swords even, it passed on to the plying of daggers and knives. They grasped each other by the neck and crushed their opponents breasts. Those dauntless blood-shedders (the Marathas)
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also did not short fall in fighting and doing glorious deeds." [translated into English by Jadunath Sarkar].
The above paintings are of (1) Maratha soldier, 1836-42, by Emily Eden (2) Ahmad Shah Durrani , circa 1785-1790.
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@Pashz7
@DalrympleWill
The battle of Pani Pat paved the way for ultimate dominance of EIC in India.
Local Marhatta power received a set back, foreign Afghan power returned after victory, Mughal throne weakened further. How ironic!
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@Pashz7
Unfortunately all these brave soldiers of India routed by a few thousand European s....
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@Pashz7
1/2 Sad part of the history is ignored in this ‘glorious’ description. Marathas were soundly defeated by Abdali. Rohalkhand kings stepped in after Marathas were defeated to kill their women & children (who were pilgrims & had joined the army caravan for protection). Abdali was...
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@Pashz7
2/2 ..reluctant to kill women & children and left it locals to settle their score. Local kings were more hostile to Marathas because they knew Abdali will defeat Marathas, take the loot & leave which he did. Marathas will stay & rule over them.
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