Chapter 14: The Stalemate and the Victory
Raghunath, the emperor of Maratha and India, had divided his army into three parts, and had 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. 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. The third part, led by himself, was to march towards the Deccan, and to recapture the region and the Narmada river.
The first part of his army faced a tough resistance from the Mughal emperor, Ram Singh, who had betrayed him and had joined the rebellion. Ram Singh had fortified the city of Delhi, and had gathered a large army of Mughals, Rajputs, and British. He had also received the support of the Ottoman Empire and the Safavid Empire, who had sent him weapons and supplies. He had also received the advice of the British East India Company, who had helped him to devise a strategy to defend the city.
Holkar attacked the city with his artillery and cavalry, and tried to breach the walls and gates. He also tried to cut off the water and food supplies, and to starve the defenders. He also tried to use his spies and agents to spread propaganda and dissension among the enemy ranks, and to bribe and defect some of the Mughal and Rajput chiefs and generals.
However, Ram Singh managed to repel Holkar's attacks, and to maintain his defenses. He used his heavy cavalry, musketry, and mounted artillery to counterattack, and to inflict heavy casualties on Holkar's army. He also used his allies and supporters to attack Holkar's flanks and rear, and to harass and disrupt his supply lines. He also used his personal courage and charisma to rally his troops, and to inspire them to fight with the same zeal and determination as Holkar's men.
The battle for Delhi turned into a stalemate, as neither side could gain an advantage or a decisive victory. Holkar could not break through Ram Singh's defenses, and Ram Singh could not drive away Holkar's army. The siege of Delhi lasted for several months, and both sides suffered from exhaustion, hunger, and disease.
Meanwhile, the second part of Raghunath's army faced a weaker opposition from Ahmad Shah Afdali and his son, Timur Shah, who had escaped from his prison and had rallied their remaining forces. Afdali had retreated to the Indus river, and had tried to regroup and reorganize his army. He had also tried to recruit more Afghan tribes and rulers, and to persuade some of the Sikh and Jat chiefs to join his cause.
Ahluwalia pursued Afdali, and tried to finish him off. He attacked him with his artillery and cavalry, and tried to destroy his army and capture his leaders. He also tried to free and rescue the Hindus and Sikhs, who had been oppressed and enslaved by Afdali.
Afdali tried to resist Ahluwalia, but he was hopeless and desperate. He had lost his empire, his throne, and his dignity. He had no allies, no resources, no hope. He had no choice but to fight, or to die.
Ahluwalia defeated Afdali, and captured him and his son. He also captured his treasure and lands, and freed his prisoners and slaves. He also destroyed his camps and forts, and rebuilt the temples and shrines that Afdali had demolished. He also restored the Hindu and Sikh faith and culture, and declared his loyalty and obedience to Raghunath.
Ahluwalia had won the battle, and had defeated Afdali. He had avenged the invasions and atrocities of the Afghans, and had secured the region and the Indus river. He had also expanded Raghunath's empire, and had established his authority over the whole of Punjab.
This was the next chapter of your webnovel, as he dealt with the rebellion.