Page:History of India Vol 3.djvu/254

 206 THE EMPEKOK BABAR them together with twisted bull-hides, to break a cav- alry charge, and by arranging hurdles or shields be- tween each pair to protect the matchlock men. Then two marches more brought the army to Panipat. Here he had the town on his right, his left was defended by ditches and abatis of trees, while he placed his cannon and matchlocks in the centre. He was careful to leave gaps in his line a bowshot apart, through which one hundred or 150 men could charge abreast. On the 20th of April a night surprise was attempted upon the Afghans' position, and though it failed, owing to the confusion of the troops in the darkness, it had the effect of drawing the enemy out of his camp. Sul- tan Ibrahim, elated by the ease with which this attack had been driven back, brought his army out at dawn on the 21st in battle array. It was said to muster one hundred thousand men and one hundred elephants. The moment Babar detected the movement of the enemy, his men were ordered to put on their helmets and mail, and take their stations. His army was drawn up behind his laager in the usual order, right and left centre, right and left wing, advance-guard, and reserve; but in addition he had placed flanking parties of Mon- gols on the extreme right and left, with orders to exe- cute their famous national manoeuvre, the tuluglima a rapid wheel charging the enemy's rear of which Babar well knew the tremendous effect. The army of Delhi came straight on, at a quick march, without a halt from the start. They seemed to be aiming at Babar 's right, and he sent up the re-