A history of the Sikhs, from the origin of the nation to the battles of the Sutlej.

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HISTORY OF THE SIKHS

CHAP. IX

1845-6. apparent the serried battalions of infantry and the frowning
batteries of cannon. The scene was magnificent and yet
overawing: the eye included the whole field, and glanced
approvingly from the steady order of one foe to the even
array of the other; all bespoke gladness of mind and strength
of heart; but beneath the elate looks of the advancing
warriors there lurked that fierce desire for the death of his
fellows which must ever impel the valiant soldier. When
thus deployed, the lines of battle were not truly parallel.
The Sikh line inclined towards and extended beyond the
British right, while the other flanks were, for a time, comparatively distant. The English had scarcely halted during
their march of eight miles, even to form their line; but the
Sikhs nevertheless commenced the action. It was perceived
by Sir Harry Smith that the capture of the village of Aliwdl
was of the first importance, and the right of the infantry
was led against it. A deadly struggle seemed impending;
for the Sikh ranks were steady and the play of their guns
incessant; but the holders of the post were battalions of
hill-men, raised because their demeanour was sober, and their
hearts indifferent to the Khalsa, and after firing a straggling
volley, they fled in confusion, headed by Ranjor Singh,
their immediate leader, and leaving the brave Sikh artillerymen to be slaughtered by the conquerors. The British
cavalry of the right made at the same time a sweeping and
successful charge, and one-half of the opposing army was
fairly broken and dispersed; but the Sikhs on their own
right seemed to be outflanking their opponents in spite of
the exertions of the English infantry and artillery; for
there the more regular battalions were in line, and the true
Sikh was not easily cowed. A prompt and powerful effort
was necessary, and a regiment of European lancers,' supported by one of Indian cavalry, was launched against the
even ranks of the Lahore infantry. The Sikhs knelt to
receive the orderly but impetuous charge of the English
warriors, moved alike by noble recollections of their country,
by military emulation, and by personal feelings of revenge;
but at the critical moment, the unaccustomed discipline of
many of Gobind's champions failed them. They rose, yet
[1 H.M.'s 16th Lancers, under Col. Cureton.-ED.]