13. Defeat, Grief, Panic

As native soldiers started fleeing, Balasaheb himself took charge of one of the unmanned cannons. It's gunner had got killed. Balasaheb loosed off a few shots; but English shells soon picked off other gunners. Infantry and cavalry took to heels. 

Nanasaheb, Raosaheb and Balasaheb agreed that the battle was lost. There was no point in dying a dog's death. It was better to run away, regroup armies, and fight again for the victory.

The (surviving) native army then took the road to Brahmavart. The English commander ordered that victory trumpets be blown. The English army pressed on, and seized the place where mutineers had camped. 

Lot of men died on either side. Survivors (among natives) fled to Fatehpur, some went to Brahmavart.

Nanasaheb reached Brahmavart at sun-down. The news of defeat hadn't reached there. Some of the townsfolk met Nanasahib on the outskirts. Seeing the expression on his face, they realized that victory had eluded him. He was greeted, but nothing was spoken. Nanasaheb sighed. Then he said unto the crowd: We embarked on this venture for the sake of Hindus. It has failed. I do not hope to live through this. Goddess Ganges willed so.

 Then he retreated into his palace.

A great confusion ensued. People said: His Highness would soon leave with the army; where do we go? English would surely follow, and massacre us.

People buried the valuables in the earth. Some dumped it into wells. Everybody was now for himself; women and children were left in the lurch. Grief engulfed Brahmavart. 

 

12. Reverses

(After killing English women and children at Brahmavart) The native soldiers wrote to other mutineers: The enemy's women are clever and scheming; they tried to smuggle a letter out of prison camp. Hence, as soon as you get this missive, kill the English women in your custody. Upon receipt of the letters, English women and children were executed at Delhi, Jhansi, Agra, etc.

The old and the wise among the men said: We were hoping that natives would win, Englishmen would return to their land, and Hindus and Muslims would once again rule. But now that hope has died. For, Vedas do not sanction killing of women. Scriptures say that even a gravest offence by a women can't warrant execution. And yet this vile deed took place: natives wouldn't win now.

A fortnight later, English troops amassed outside Kanpur. Native troops (loyal to the English) marched from Madras and Kolkata. When the news reached Nanasaheb, he dispatched Tantya Topi and Lalpuri Baba Gosavi with army to Kanpur.

Nanasaheb, Raosaheb and Bal-saheb set out for Kanpur later. But there were omens portending calamity: a 

cat crossed their path. A brahmin carrying ashes came upon them; Nanasaheb's horse balked.

They ignored the signs, and full of warrior spirit, reached Kanpur.

A big battle broke out. Artillery of both parties kept up a barrage. Men fought day and night; they didn't stop even for eating. After the dusk, flame throwers were lit, and the fighting continued. Several officers, and countless troops died. This went on for ten-twelve days. Then the tide turned; and providence prevailed over men's efforts. Natives panicked and broke ranks. The English pushed forward with the artillery.