Tempo:
Extinction of Afghan Power
239
its passage. The battle commenced in a heavy downpour which gave the entrenched Afghans a decided advantage over the Punjabis. Ram Dyal fought a delaying action to allow a relief column, which was on its way, to join him. But Afghan snipers forced the relief to a standstill a long way away from Shupaiyan. The Maharajah did not fare any better. The Poonchis burned their standing crops and removed their livestock and chattels. The problem of food supplies became acute and Punjabi morale was further dampened by heavy rain and Poonchi guerrilla bands operating in their rear. Then cholera broke out among the troops. (Among the victims was Mian Ghausa, who died on the way to Lahore.) The Afghans took the offensive and pushed the Maharajah out of the hills. Ram Dyal stood his ground doggedly not far from Srinagar. Azim Khan did not want to have the Punjabis so close to bis capital for longer than he could help, and, having failed to dislodge Ram Dyal, opened negotiations with him. There was an exchange of presents. Azim Khan professed friendship for the Durbar and promised not to side with its enemies. Ram Dyal extricated himself from an awkward position and returned to the Punjab. 1 The campaign had been a dismal failure. The Durbar did not engage in any major campaign until the autumn of 1815.:t War had broken out between the Gurkhas and the English and the Durbar wanted to be prepared for any eventuality. An envoy from Nepal came to Lahore and, with the usual flattery about the Maharajah being the defender of the Hindus and the hope of Hindustan, made tempting offers of l There seems no evidence for Prinsep's slalemem I.hat Azim Khan let I.he Lahore troops go unmolested because of his personal regard for Ram Dyal's grandfather, Dewan Mohkam Chl\Ild. Apan from there being no record of any kind to suggest this, it is hardly likely I.hat considerations oflhis son would weigh wilh those who looked upon t.he Sikhs, who formed the bulk of the Puajab anny, as 'infidels' and never spared their lives even when they had laid down arms. 2 In addition LO the fias.c o in Kashmir, the Durbar lost ics great commander, Dewan Mohkam Chand, who died at Phillaur on 29 October 1814.
239
its passage. The battle commenced in a heavy downpour which gave the entrenched Afghans a decided advantage over the Punjabis. Ram Dyal fought a delaying action to allow a relief column, which was on its way, to join him. But Afghan snipers forced the relief to a standstill a long way away from Shupaiyan. The Maharajah did not fare any better. The Poonchis burned their standing crops and removed their livestock and chattels. The problem of food supplies became acute and Punjabi morale was further dampened by heavy rain and Poonchi guerrilla bands operating in their rear. Then cholera broke out among the troops. (Among the victims was Mian Ghausa, who died on the way to Lahore.) The Afghans took the offensive and pushed the Maharajah out of the hills. Ram Dyal stood his ground doggedly not far from Srinagar. Azim Khan did not want to have the Punjabis so close to bis capital for longer than he could help, and, having failed to dislodge Ram Dyal, opened negotiations with him. There was an exchange of presents. Azim Khan professed friendship for the Durbar and promised not to side with its enemies. Ram Dyal extricated himself from an awkward position and returned to the Punjab. 1 The campaign had been a dismal failure. The Durbar did not engage in any major campaign until the autumn of 1815.:t War had broken out between the Gurkhas and the English and the Durbar wanted to be prepared for any eventuality. An envoy from Nepal came to Lahore and, with the usual flattery about the Maharajah being the defender of the Hindus and the hope of Hindustan, made tempting offers of l There seems no evidence for Prinsep's slalemem I.hat Azim Khan let I.he Lahore troops go unmolested because of his personal regard for Ram Dyal's grandfather, Dewan Mohkam Chl\Ild. Apan from there being no record of any kind to suggest this, it is hardly likely I.hat considerations oflhis son would weigh wilh those who looked upon t.he Sikhs, who formed the bulk of the Puajab anny, as 'infidels' and never spared their lives even when they had laid down arms. 2 In addition LO the fias.c o in Kashmir, the Durbar lost ics great commander, Dewan Mohkam Chand, who died at Phillaur on 29 October 1814.
©
2026
Lehal.net