SECTION V
CONTENTS.

Grand distribution of rewards at the Court of M8rsh8dabad —About a Coror of rupees sent to Court as the whole of Ser-efraz-qhan’s estate—Aaly-verdy-qhan resolves on an expedition against the Oressa or Catec—The Oressa conquered—Strange escape of its Viceroy—Singular generosity of a Gentoo Prince towards him —Aaly-verdy-qhan leaves his grandson in the Government of Oressa—Great respect paid by Aaly-verdy-qhan and his family to Ser-efraz-qhan’s mother—The new Governor of Orèssa manages unworthily—His enormous oppressions—The ancient Governor’s son-in-law recovers possession of Catec—Where he seizes and confines the new Governor—Aaly-verdy-qhan marches into Oressa—Where he defeats Bakyr-aaly-qhan—Settles the Oressa anew—Zin-eddin-ahmed-qhan, Viceroy of Azim-abad, acquires a character for valour and conduct—Orders Roshen-qhan-terahi to be put to death—The Marhattas invade Bengal—Aaly-verdy-qhan resolves to fight them—Some of his Commanders lag behind—The Afghans in the army incline to a general defection —He disdains to pay a ransom to the Marhattas—He recovers the affection of his Afghans—He fights his way through the enemy —Memorable retreat of the Bengal Army to Cutwa—Two elephants save it from destruction—The Marhattas plunder part of M8rsh8dabad—Get possession of H8gli—Ravage all Bengal, south of the Ganga—The Governor of Azim-abad marches to his uncle’s assistance—Ingenious meeting of Aaly-verdy-qhan’s with a relation of his—The Emperor sends Ab8l-mans8r-qhan and Baladjiräo to succour Bengal—A bridge of boats breaks down, and occasions a great loss—The Marhattas severely chastised— Overbearing behaviour of Ab8l-mans8r-qhan—The author’s father is misrepresented—Baladjiräo under pretence of suc­couring Aaly-verdy-qhan, ravages Bengal—Azim-abad saved by an accident from imminent danger—Singular resolution of a lady who attempts to defend her house and quarter against the Marhattas—Ambiguous meeting between Aaly-verdy-qhan and Baladjiräo—Hussëin-c8ly-qhan loses his office, but is reinstated by Gahasity-begum, daughter of the Viceroy—Ill offices rendered to the author’s father—Who parts with Aaly-verdy-qhan’s family —City of Azim-abad secured by a wall—High credit of Mustapha-qhan with the Viceroy—Aaly-verdy-qhan resolves to entrap the Marhatta Commanders—Most of them massacred—The Mar­hattas slaughtered everywhere, evacuate Bengal—Strange char­acter of the Afghan nation—Mustapha-qhan, from a General of the Viceroy’s, becomes his rival—He comes to an open war with him—He attacks the Governor of Azim-abad—Who opposes him vigorously—Deputation sent him—Ingenious and artful message of his to Mustapha-qhan—Bold, open answer of the latter—The Afghans attack and carry the entrenchments of Azim-abad, and yet are worsted—The victory is snatched a second time from the hands of Mustapha-qhan, who is shot through the head—Aaly-verdy-qhan marches to succour his nephew—The Afghans victori­ous a third time, are worsted again, and Mustapha-qhan is slain —The body of that hero unworthily used.