Page:Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan.djvu/137

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
TIPÚ ATTACKS THE MARÁTHÁS
133

that Tipú, notwithstanding repeated assaults, was compelled to abandon the siege. As the rainy season was approaching, the Nizám's youngest brother, Mughal Alí Khán, by feigning to attack the Mysore troops, succeeded in concentrating their attention upon himself, thus permitting of the evacuation of the place and the escape of the ladies across the Tungábhadra, before the river filled. When Tipú returned to resume the siege, he found the town deserted, and had to content himself with razing the fortifications.

He now commenced a series of operations which evince much skill and enterprise on his part. Having seized a small fort which commanded the passage of the Tungábhadra, Tipú, in spite of the opinions of his chief officers, succeeded in crossing his army over the swollen river. He then marched along the left bank in order to effect a junction with Búrhán-ud-dín, which he accomplished without much difficulty, and proceeded to meet the enemy in the vicinity of Sávanúr. After many desultory engagements, which led to no result, he at last dislodged them from their position, and captured the town, the Nawáb having previously fled to the Maráthá camp. The siege of several minor forts was then successfully undertaken, when Tipú, early in 1787, expressed his readiness to make peace, agreeing to pay at once thirty lacs of rupees on account of tribute due, and a further sum afterwards. Adoni, Nargúnd, and other strongholds were sur-