Delhi in Moghal Times
Nadir Shah and by Ahmad Khan Abdall. This was not much, for the latter had gleaned well; but they took the silver ceiling of the Diwan Khas, and such precious stones as they were able to gouge out of the pillars. They then advanced to Panipat with a vast army — fifty-five thousand good cavalry (an arm in which they excelled),
a large train of artillery, and fifteen thousand French-trained infantry, supplemented by perhaps two hundred thousand irregulars. Against this formidable force Ahmad Khan was able to place about fifty thousand cavalry, a small train of artillery, and some forty thousand Indian — recruited infantry ; but the discipline of his army was better, and the Mahrattas were subjected to a blockade for the space of two months. Fear of famine at last brought on the action; but the Jats deserted, Holkar left the field, and a colossal massacre of the remaining Mahrattas took place in the village of Panipat. So on January 6, 1761, at the third battle of Panipat,
another dream of Hindu rule faded away, entirely through a lack of cohesion, brought about by too selfish and constant consideration
of private interests. No chief would allow his forces to engage seriously, for he might be ruined, while others drew off their troops in order to retain their territories.243
