१८५७ का स्वातन्त्र्य समर (वीर विनायक दामोदर सावरकर - अंग्रेजों द्वारा छपने से पूर्व प्रतिबन्धित महाग्रन्थ)

THE CONFLAGRATION
These words of Rao Sahib silenced the cowards, and
thousands of patriots in that part welcomed the Revolu-
tionaries heartily, and thus the army of the Peshwa
pressed right on the walls of the city of Gwalior. They
had written to the Scindia, “ We are coming to you
in a friendly spirit. Remember our former relations. We
expect help from you, so that we shall be enabled to
proceed towards the south.” But this ungrateful man
had forgotten the former relations. Well then, remember
the former and the present relations too ! “ The ancestors
of the Scindia were our servants, our Hujres—that was
the former relation. And, the present relation ? The
whole army of the present Scindia has joined us. Tatia
had gone to Gwalior, seen the leaders, and gained all
necessary information ! ” But still, forgetting all this,
the Scindia, with all his army and all his guns, advanced
on the Peshwa on the 1st of June, near Gwalior. The
Shrimant who deserves the respect of the whole country
thought for a moment that the Scindia had repented and
was coming forward to salute the flag of Swadesh. But,
Lakshmi said that he was coming, not to salute, but to
smash that golden flag. She came forward with her three
hundred horsemen and advanced right on the guns of
the Scindia. Soon, she caught the view of Jayaji Rao
Scindia and his personal guard the brave “ Bhaleghate ”
troops. The cobra shows not such rage when it is trod-
den upon as Lakshmi showed at the sight of this traitor !
Like an arrow she dashed at his troops. Behold, you
Bahadur—descendant of Mahadaji, this helpless girl of
twenty-two, brought up in the Zenana, is inviting you for
a trial of strength of the sword ! Let us all see now how
much of the prowess of Mahadaji, the devoted lover of
his country, has descended upon this Jayaji the devoted
slave of the Feringhi ! As soon as this angry lightning
struck him hard on the front, his personal guards waver-
ed and the Scindia, with all his “ Bhaleghate ” troops,
was routed. But, at least, there was hope that his huge
army and terrible artillery would do their best—and they
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