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SIYAR-UL-MUTAKHERIN.
11

display their courage, a tremendous conflict ensued. But the violence of the wind raised such clouds of dust and sand, that the field of battle was entirely darkened. The troops of Mahomed Aazem were almost blinded, and it became impossible to distinguish friend from foe. It was asserted by several persons of character who fought in that battle, that the sand was so hot, and it choaked so effectually the mouth and eyes of the combatants, that no one could stand such a tempest but by turning his head about, nor could an arrow be distinguished at more than a few paces distant. Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, the troops of Mahomed Aazem gained ground. The imperial army was in danger, and the desperation with which both officers and men fought was such, that to this day the battle of Ajaju, or Acberabad, is remembered all over Hindoostan for its obstinacy, and the slaughter that ensued. There was in Mahomed Aazem's army an Afghan officer of great strength, called Manuwer-khan, who commanded five thousand men of his own nation, who used to say that a day of battle was to him like a wedding-day. On this occasion, he dressed himself in cloth of gold, and gave a turban of the same materials to every one of his followers, each of whom was ready to shed his blood for his chief. This officer having found a favour-