Báramaháls and the country as far south as Dindigal. Fort after fort fell before a column under Colonel Wood, who, having accomplished his part of the work, proceeded to join Colonel Smith. The latter, after attacking the stronghold of Krishnagiri[1], which surrendered, advanced into the Mysore plateau, and took Múlbágal, Kolár, and Hosúr. He was hampered however by the presence of two members of the Madras Council, and was further informed that all arrangements for collecting the revenues of the conquered districts were to be made under the directions or with the assent of Muhammad Alí, the Nawáb of Arcot, whose only object was to secure for himself all the territory wrested from Haidar's clutch. The Madras Government were apparently of opinion that a successful advance might be made on Bangalore, and perhaps on Seringapatam itself. But although the Maráthá chief, Morári Ráo, was induced to join Colonel Smith's force with a fairly strong contingent, the long period of inaction which intervened enabled Haidar to return from his distant expedition to Bangalore and to confront the English before any further steps had been taken. He immediately attacked the Maráthá camp by night, but the onset of his cavalry was defeated by Morári Ráo's strategy. Having been foiled in his attempt, and apprehensive of Bangalore being
- ↑ Krishnagiri is said to be a virgin fortress, never having been taken, though often attacked. There are numerous other strongholds in India (of which a most interesting account might be written) of far greater strategical importance, but very few which have not succumbed to an enemy by assault.
